South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
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(6x75cl) 2017The Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is an exquisite red wine, handcrafted by Richard Kershaw, one of South Africa's most acclaimed winemakers. Born in England, Kershaw brings over 20 years of international wine-making prowess to this elegant Syrah. The grapes are sourced exclusively from Klein River, a tiny enclave in South Africa’s cool climate Walker Bay region.
This pristine, maritime terroir rich in decomposed granite and clay, fosters a complex synergy between soil and vine. Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is meticulously crafted through whole-bunch fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, manifesting in intricate spice-filled layers, well-integrated tannins and a lengthy finish.
Expressing a flawless balance between intensity and elegance, the Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 transcends the boundaries of traditional Syrah, creating a captivating viticultural masterpiece that elegantly mirrors its unique terroir.
Inc. TAX€379.72 -
(12x75cl) 2020The Kershaw Pinot Noir Clonal Selection 2020 epitomises the art of fine winemaking from the esteemed Burgundy region. Crafted by Kershaw Vineyards, a producer renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, this vintage is derived from selected clones that thrive in the region’s unique terroir. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle fermentation process in stainless steel tanks, preserving the delicate fruit flavours and enhancing the wine’s natural acidity. A fraction of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexities and a refined structure. The 2020 release showcases vibrant aromas of red berries, hints of rose petal, and earthy undertones, culminating in a silky smooth finish with balanced tannins. Kershaw Pinot Noir Clonal Selection 2020 is a testament to the producer’s commitment to excellence and sustainable viticulture, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking elegance and depth in their fine wine collection.
Inc. TAX€753.07 -
(1x75cl) 2020The Kershaw Pinot Noir GPS Series Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African viticulture. Cultivated in the pristine Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Ridge, this Pinot Noir thrives in the region's cool climate and granite-rich soils, imparting exceptional finesse and complexity. Handpicked at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromatics. A portion is aged in French oak barrels, enhancing the wine's structure with subtle vanilla and spice notes while maintaining its elegant purity. Kershaw Estate, renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques, crafts this vintage with unwavering precision. The 2020 release showcases vibrant red berry flavours, intertwined with hints of earth and floral undertones, culminating in a silky smooth finish. Ideal for discerning connoisseurs, this Pinot Noir GPS Series offers a harmonious balance of richness and grace, reflecting the esteemed heritage and expertise of Kershaw.
Inc. TAX€110.35 -
(6x75cl) 2017Inc. TAX€301.26 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
From east-facing sandstone soils, the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 has an intense nose with bell pepper, flint and quite forward pyrazine scents. The palate is fresh and vibrant, slightly reductive, with that pyrazine element politely loitering off stage. Nice weight and density, this is a great Sauvignon Blanc ageing beautifully in bottle.Inc. TAX€104.35 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Restrained green grassy nose. Super-refreshing and fruity – a pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Great balance. Some oak?Inc. TAX€104.35 -
(6x50cl) 2010Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 2010 Vin de Constance Limited Release comes from a vintage with two weeks on the skins that was too boisterous for what they were looking for. It was then left for years so that it has 15 years in bottle. "It is a Vin de Constance without being a Vin de Constance," according to Matt Day. Fig, marmalade and Aszu-like notes on the nose, this is well defined and shows none of the oak, with golden raisin scents emerging with time. The palate is unctuous with stewed fig, marmalade, peach skin and Five Spice. More weight than the regular cuvée, this should be served at the end of the meal with some hard cheese.Inc. TAX€914.72 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2013 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine was matured in 500-liter barrels for around 36 months. It has a beautiful bouquet with honey, quince, pressed yellow flowers and Mirabelle. It has wonderful definition and purity. The palate is very well balanced with a mellifluous texture and beautifully judged acidity as it just sashays along. It fans out on the finish with honey, quince, a touch of rhubarb and ginger, extraordinarily persistent in the mouth. Matthew Day, current winemaker, opined that he thought the 2012 would be the best ever, but the freshness might see it overtaken. This is awesome.Inc. TAX€511.52 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
South Africa's Sweet Wine of the Year 2017.Inc. TAX€446.15 -
(6x75cl) 2014Tim Atkin MW (96)
South Africa's Sweet Wine of the Year 2017.Inc. TAX€667.38 -
Decanter (98)
An historical wine, Vin de Constance has been re-established in the last few years as one of the world’s finest sweet wines. Dried Muscat grapes are aged for three years before bottling, in French and Hungarian casks with a touch of acacia wood. Citrus, orange zest, rosewater and spice notes leap out of the glass. The palate has a laser-like focus with massive sweetness perfectly balanced by acidity and a mineral finish. As impressive as Château d’Yquem (and considerably better value).Inc. TAX€423.35 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate’s goal of crafting a “dry” sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience.Inc. TAX€608.63 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate’s goal of crafting a “dry” sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience.Inc. TAX€453.35 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
"Lighter and lighter" is the motto at Klein Constantia these days, according to Matt Day. The latest, world-class release of Vin de Constance certainly doesn’t lack sweetness at 165 grams or even concentration, but it has a freshness that's reminiscent of Vouvray or Barsac. Subtly wooded in 50% new barrels, it unfurls layers of citrus, toast and tarte tatin, with a drizzle of honey and vivid acidity and palate length. Bravo!Inc. TAX€437.75 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5++)
I am informed by the top man at Klein Constantia that the price will be the same as last year’s superb 2017 and all of the likely candidates in the UK are likely to hold stock. It will require a little effort on Google and you will see that a large number of wine merchants will list 2018 Vin de Constance and while the prices swing around like no other wine I know, at £60 or so, for a half litre, it certainly makes sense to me and when you consider the sheer quality of this vintage, it is a bargain for this celestial experience. Stock is likely to arrive in September 2021, but do feel free to register your interest with your preferred wine merchant now. Vintage reports suggest that the build-up to the 2018 harvest brought the highest summer rainfall of the last six years and, combined with some of the coldest night-time temperatures on record, the vines were granted a very long and very slow growing season. These conditions have imbued extreme delicacy of perfume and flavour and also staggering concentration and length in this wine. It also means that the 2018 vintage has otherworldly characteristics and I cannot remember a young vintage tasting so refined and demure. Light bunches and tiny Muscat de Frontignan berries underline just how unusual this vintage was and with a harvest that was a fortnight later than average and crops down by about 15% all of these facts make sense when you taste this ethereal wine. Aged for three years in a combination of 50% new French oak barrels, a small number of acacia barrels, as well as large format foudres, this is both a sensual and also sensitive wine. For a start, the colour is incredibly pale – think a young Sancerre! But the viscosity is amazing when you pour a glass because the liquid moves ever so slightly slower and more deliberately into the glass. The lights come on and the brain fires up immediately and it takes you by surprise just how quickly your olfactory system senses that you are in the presence of greatness. I was in a state of heightened anticipation, long before I raised the glass to my lips and the reward is exquisite. The perfume and palate combine in an astral haze of delight with orange blossom, fig, lemon verbena, wild honey and acacia notes caressing your senses. The texture is super-smooth, incredibly long and unnervingly gentle. It certainly possesses the longest finish I can remember on a Vin de Constance and I have, very fortunately, a tasted huge number of vintages of this wine. If you have never tasted this wine before, please start with this vintage – it will blow your mind. If you have and you are a fan, this is a critical purchase for your collection. I cannot wait to add this wine to my cellar later in the year.Inc. TAX€728.63 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5++)
I am informed by the top man at Klein Constantia that the price will be the same as last year’s superb 2017 and all of the likely candidates in the UK are likely to hold stock. It will require a little effort on Google and you will see that a large number of wine merchants will list 2018 Vin de Constance and while the prices swing around like no other wine I know, at £60 or so, for a half litre, it certainly makes sense to me and when you consider the sheer quality of this vintage, it is a bargain for this celestial experience. Stock is likely to arrive in September 2021, but do feel free to register your interest with your preferred wine merchant now. Vintage reports suggest that the build-up to the 2018 harvest brought the highest summer rainfall of the last six years and, combined with some of the coldest night-time temperatures on record, the vines were granted a very long and very slow growing season. These conditions have imbued extreme delicacy of perfume and flavour and also staggering concentration and length in this wine. It also means that the 2018 vintage has otherworldly characteristics and I cannot remember a young vintage tasting so refined and demure. Light bunches and tiny Muscat de Frontignan berries underline just how unusual this vintage was and with a harvest that was a fortnight later than average and crops down by about 15% all of these facts make sense when you taste this ethereal wine. Aged for three years in a combination of 50% new French oak barrels, a small number of acacia barrels, as well as large format foudres, this is both a sensual and also sensitive wine. For a start, the colour is incredibly pale – think a young Sancerre! But the viscosity is amazing when you pour a glass because the liquid moves ever so slightly slower and more deliberately into the glass. The lights come on and the brain fires up immediately and it takes you by surprise just how quickly your olfactory system senses that you are in the presence of greatness. I was in a state of heightened anticipation, long before I raised the glass to my lips and the reward is exquisite. The perfume and palate combine in an astral haze of delight with orange blossom, fig, lemon verbena, wild honey and acacia notes caressing your senses. The texture is super-smooth, incredibly long and unnervingly gentle. It certainly possesses the longest finish I can remember on a Vin de Constance and I have, very fortunately, a tasted huge number of vintages of this wine. If you have never tasted this wine before, please start with this vintage – it will blow your mind. If you have and you are a fan, this is a critical purchase for your collection. I cannot wait to add this wine to my cellar later in the year.Inc. TAX€381.35 -
Decanter (98)
Butterscotch, lemon patisserie and peach aromas. Pristine quality to the texture, lively and thrilling, this is a serious, opulent and powerful wine, more on the spiced, nuanced side with aspects of dried herbs, wood scents and bitter lemon and orange with a touch of honeyed lychee. It feels supremely complex and characterful. Sophisticated, layered and balanced with some minerality, a slight graphite edge all of which adds to the whole. It's still extremely youthful but there is real sculpting here, a sense of precision, style and freshness. Well crafted with an extremely long life ahead. A wonder, and one of the best from the estate!Inc. TAX€608.63 -
Decanter (98)
Butterscotch, lemon patisserie and peach aromas. Pristine quality to the texture, lively and thrilling, this is a serious, opulent and powerful wine, more on the spiced, nuanced side with aspects of dried herbs, wood scents and bitter lemon and orange with a touch of honeyed lychee. It feels supremely complex and characterful. Sophisticated, layered and balanced with some minerality, a slight graphite edge all of which adds to the whole. It's still extremely youthful but there is real sculpting here, a sense of precision, style and freshness. Well crafted with an extremely long life ahead. A wonder, and one of the best from the estate!Inc. TAX€399.35 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest Vin de Constance is a very good rather than truly great iteration of this famous sweet wine, but that still makes it pretty special. Made with 28 different batches of Muscat de Frontignan, picked over the space of only three weeks because of the hotter vintage, it has honey, barley sugar, guava and apricot flavours, scented oak spices and a finish that combines glycerol with bright acidity.Inc. TAX€596.88 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest Vin de Constance is a very good rather than truly great iteration of this famous sweet wine, but that still makes it pretty special. Made with 28 different batches of Muscat de Frontignan, picked over the space of only three weeks because of the hotter vintage, it has honey, barley sugar, guava and apricot flavours, scented oak spices and a finish that combines glycerol with bright acidity.Inc. TAX€416.72 -
(1x150cl) 2021
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.Inc. TAX€264.35 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.Inc. TAX€593.86 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.Inc. TAX€412.31 -
(6x75cl) 2021Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.Expected Price Range€312 - €369 -
Decanter (97)
Best in Show - Those seeking out reds based on Cabernet Franc beyond their French home are, often enough, looking for a red wine which combines something of the structure and command of Cabernet Sauvignon but with more lift, grace and aromatic refinement. The red wine from this year's brace of South African Best In Show winners fills that role admirably. It's dark in colour, with refined, complex, raspberry and root-spice aromas in subtle and uninsistent style. Look out for bright, pure raspberry fruits on the palate with a further twist of liquorice and gentian. The structure comes more from the wine's quiet, limpid acidity than from any notable tannin presence, further unscoring that accessibility and responsiveness.Inc. TAX€235.19 -
(6x75cl) 2017Savour the exquisite depth of Laibach, Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2017. Produced by committed artisans in Stellenbosch - South Africa's renowned wine region - this engaging Pinotage exemplifies the refined viticulture for which Laibach is celebrated. Grown sustainably in iron-rich laterite soils, the 2017 vintage is matured for 14 months in French oak barrels providing a robust, flavourful character. The rich, dark fruit flavours intertwine with spicy notes and a full-bodied texture, presenting an unmatched taste profile. The elegant bottle design is the final touch, reflecting its unique prestige among wine enthusiasts. Offering a sophisticated drinking experience that goes beyond the conventional, Laibach, Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2017 is indeed a truly memorable accompaniment to any refined gathering. Indulge yourself and mark your occasions with the unrivalled quality of this South African gem.
Inc. TAX€232.48 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
This is "just" the basic Cabernet Sauvignon from Christo Le Riche, but it's a brilliant wine in its own right. Using grapes from ten different vineyards across Stellenbosch in Firgrove, the Helderberg, Jonkershoek, Raithby and the Simonsberg, it's a masterclass in blending. Matured in 18% new wood, it's wonderfully pure and scented, all violet, tar, tobacco leaf and liquorice, with plush yet structured cassis, black cherry and Asian spice flavours and the backbone to age for another decade in bottle.Inc. TAX€224.63 -
(1x150cl) 2020Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of Bordeaux craftsmanship, meticulously cultivated in the renowned Médoc region. Handpicked from estate-owned vineyards, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefit from optimal terroir, characterised by gravelly soils and a favourable microclimate. The vinification process employs traditional French techniques, including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal's integrity, followed by maturation for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting nuanced tannins and complexity. Produced by Château Le Riche, a family-owned estate with a legacy spanning over a century, this reserve showcases their unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainable viticulture. The 2020 vintage reveals deep, concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle hints of cedar, underpinned by a velvety smooth finish. Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 stands as a testament to the producer’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines that age gracefully and enchant the palate.
Inc. TAX€235.16 -
(6x75cl) 2020Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of Bordeaux craftsmanship, meticulously cultivated in the renowned Médoc region. Handpicked from estate-owned vineyards, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefit from optimal terroir, characterised by gravelly soils and a favourable microclimate. The vinification process employs traditional French techniques, including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal's integrity, followed by maturation for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting nuanced tannins and complexity. Produced by Château Le Riche, a family-owned estate with a legacy spanning over a century, this reserve showcases their unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainable viticulture. The 2020 vintage reveals deep, concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle hints of cedar, underpinned by a velvety smooth finish. Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 stands as a testament to the producer’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines that age gracefully and enchant the palate.
Inc. TAX€662.14 -
(1x150cl) 2021Wine Advocate (95)
Christo and Yvonne Le Riche are turning out some very beautiful Cabernet Sauvignons. Packaged in a heavy glass bottle, the 2021 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is spicy, dark and very riche (pun intended). The wine shows concentrated fruit enhanced by peppery notes and smoky spice. Generous oak rendering adds savory hints of scorched earth. I love the chalky tannins on this full-bodied wine. This Reserve is only made in the best years. Grapes are hand-selected from low-yielding old vines. It spends up to 14 days on the skins with manual punch-downs for gentle color extraction. It then goes into barrel for secondary fermentation, remaining in oak for one year. The final blend is then made and the wine is put back in barrel for another year, plus one year in bottle. This 10,584-bottle release is unfined and unfiltered.Inc. TAX€191.28
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(6x75cl) 2017
The Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is an exquisite red wine, handcrafted by Richard Kershaw, one of South Africa's most acclaimed winemakers. Born in England, Kershaw brings over 20 years of international wine-making prowess to this elegant Syrah. The grapes are sourced exclusively from Klein River, a tiny enclave in South Africa’s cool climate Walker Bay region.
This pristine, maritime terroir rich in decomposed granite and clay, fosters a complex synergy between soil and vine. Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is meticulously crafted through whole-bunch fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, manifesting in intricate spice-filled layers, well-integrated tannins and a lengthy finish.
Expressing a flawless balance between intensity and elegance, the Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 transcends the boundaries of traditional Syrah, creating a captivating viticultural masterpiece that elegantly mirrors its unique terroir.
In Bond€294.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020
The Kershaw Pinot Noir Clonal Selection 2020 epitomises the art of fine winemaking from the esteemed Burgundy region. Crafted by Kershaw Vineyards, a producer renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, this vintage is derived from selected clones that thrive in the region’s unique terroir. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle fermentation process in stainless steel tanks, preserving the delicate fruit flavours and enhancing the wine’s natural acidity. A fraction of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, imparting subtle complexities and a refined structure. The 2020 release showcases vibrant aromas of red berries, hints of rose petal, and earthy undertones, culminating in a silky smooth finish with balanced tannins. Kershaw Pinot Noir Clonal Selection 2020 is a testament to the producer’s commitment to excellence and sustainable viticulture, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking elegance and depth in their fine wine collection.
In Bond€580.00 -
(1x75cl) 2020
The Kershaw Pinot Noir GPS Series Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African viticulture. Cultivated in the pristine Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Ridge, this Pinot Noir thrives in the region's cool climate and granite-rich soils, imparting exceptional finesse and complexity. Handpicked at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo meticulous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromatics. A portion is aged in French oak barrels, enhancing the wine's structure with subtle vanilla and spice notes while maintaining its elegant purity. Kershaw Estate, renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques, crafts this vintage with unwavering precision. The 2020 release showcases vibrant red berry flavours, intertwined with hints of earth and floral undertones, culminating in a silky smooth finish. Ideal for discerning connoisseurs, this Pinot Noir GPS Series offers a harmonious balance of richness and grace, reflecting the esteemed heritage and expertise of Kershaw.
In Bond€88.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017In Bond€228.00
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Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
From east-facing sandstone soils, the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 has an intense nose with bell pepper, flint and quite forward pyrazine scents. The palate is fresh and vibrant, slightly reductive, with that pyrazine element politely loitering off stage. Nice weight and density, this is a great Sauvignon Blanc ageing beautifully in bottle.In Bond€83.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Restrained green grassy nose. Super-refreshing and fruity – a pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Great balance. Some oak?In Bond€83.00 -
(6x50cl) 2010
Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 2010 Vin de Constance Limited Release comes from a vintage with two weeks on the skins that was too boisterous for what they were looking for. It was then left for years so that it has 15 years in bottle. "It is a Vin de Constance without being a Vin de Constance," according to Matt Day. Fig, marmalade and Aszu-like notes on the nose, this is well defined and shows none of the oak, with golden raisin scents emerging with time. The palate is unctuous with stewed fig, marmalade, peach skin and Five Spice. More weight than the regular cuvée, this should be served at the end of the meal with some hard cheese.In Bond€748.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2013 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine was matured in 500-liter barrels for around 36 months. It has a beautiful bouquet with honey, quince, pressed yellow flowers and Mirabelle. It has wonderful definition and purity. The palate is very well balanced with a mellifluous texture and beautifully judged acidity as it just sashays along. It fans out on the finish with honey, quince, a touch of rhubarb and ginger, extraordinarily persistent in the mouth. Matthew Day, current winemaker, opined that he thought the 2012 would be the best ever, but the freshness might see it overtaken. This is awesome.In Bond€412.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
South Africa's Sweet Wine of the Year 2017.In Bond€357.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Tim Atkin MW (96)
South Africa's Sweet Wine of the Year 2017.In Bond€534.00 -
Decanter (98)
An historical wine, Vin de Constance has been re-established in the last few years as one of the world’s finest sweet wines. Dried Muscat grapes are aged for three years before bottling, in French and Hungarian casks with a touch of acacia wood. Citrus, orange zest, rosewater and spice notes leap out of the glass. The palate has a laser-like focus with massive sweetness perfectly balanced by acidity and a mineral finish. As impressive as Château d’Yquem (and considerably better value).In Bond€338.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate’s goal of crafting a “dry” sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience.In Bond€485.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate’s goal of crafting a “dry” sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience.In Bond€363.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
"Lighter and lighter" is the motto at Klein Constantia these days, according to Matt Day. The latest, world-class release of Vin de Constance certainly doesn’t lack sweetness at 165 grams or even concentration, but it has a freshness that's reminiscent of Vouvray or Barsac. Subtly wooded in 50% new barrels, it unfurls layers of citrus, toast and tarte tatin, with a drizzle of honey and vivid acidity and palate length. Bravo!In Bond€350.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5++)
I am informed by the top man at Klein Constantia that the price will be the same as last year’s superb 2017 and all of the likely candidates in the UK are likely to hold stock. It will require a little effort on Google and you will see that a large number of wine merchants will list 2018 Vin de Constance and while the prices swing around like no other wine I know, at £60 or so, for a half litre, it certainly makes sense to me and when you consider the sheer quality of this vintage, it is a bargain for this celestial experience. Stock is likely to arrive in September 2021, but do feel free to register your interest with your preferred wine merchant now. Vintage reports suggest that the build-up to the 2018 harvest brought the highest summer rainfall of the last six years and, combined with some of the coldest night-time temperatures on record, the vines were granted a very long and very slow growing season. These conditions have imbued extreme delicacy of perfume and flavour and also staggering concentration and length in this wine. It also means that the 2018 vintage has otherworldly characteristics and I cannot remember a young vintage tasting so refined and demure. Light bunches and tiny Muscat de Frontignan berries underline just how unusual this vintage was and with a harvest that was a fortnight later than average and crops down by about 15% all of these facts make sense when you taste this ethereal wine. Aged for three years in a combination of 50% new French oak barrels, a small number of acacia barrels, as well as large format foudres, this is both a sensual and also sensitive wine. For a start, the colour is incredibly pale – think a young Sancerre! But the viscosity is amazing when you pour a glass because the liquid moves ever so slightly slower and more deliberately into the glass. The lights come on and the brain fires up immediately and it takes you by surprise just how quickly your olfactory system senses that you are in the presence of greatness. I was in a state of heightened anticipation, long before I raised the glass to my lips and the reward is exquisite. The perfume and palate combine in an astral haze of delight with orange blossom, fig, lemon verbena, wild honey and acacia notes caressing your senses. The texture is super-smooth, incredibly long and unnervingly gentle. It certainly possesses the longest finish I can remember on a Vin de Constance and I have, very fortunately, a tasted huge number of vintages of this wine. If you have never tasted this wine before, please start with this vintage – it will blow your mind. If you have and you are a fan, this is a critical purchase for your collection. I cannot wait to add this wine to my cellar later in the year.In Bond€585.00 -
Matthew Jukes (19.5++)
I am informed by the top man at Klein Constantia that the price will be the same as last year’s superb 2017 and all of the likely candidates in the UK are likely to hold stock. It will require a little effort on Google and you will see that a large number of wine merchants will list 2018 Vin de Constance and while the prices swing around like no other wine I know, at £60 or so, for a half litre, it certainly makes sense to me and when you consider the sheer quality of this vintage, it is a bargain for this celestial experience. Stock is likely to arrive in September 2021, but do feel free to register your interest with your preferred wine merchant now. Vintage reports suggest that the build-up to the 2018 harvest brought the highest summer rainfall of the last six years and, combined with some of the coldest night-time temperatures on record, the vines were granted a very long and very slow growing season. These conditions have imbued extreme delicacy of perfume and flavour and also staggering concentration and length in this wine. It also means that the 2018 vintage has otherworldly characteristics and I cannot remember a young vintage tasting so refined and demure. Light bunches and tiny Muscat de Frontignan berries underline just how unusual this vintage was and with a harvest that was a fortnight later than average and crops down by about 15% all of these facts make sense when you taste this ethereal wine. Aged for three years in a combination of 50% new French oak barrels, a small number of acacia barrels, as well as large format foudres, this is both a sensual and also sensitive wine. For a start, the colour is incredibly pale – think a young Sancerre! But the viscosity is amazing when you pour a glass because the liquid moves ever so slightly slower and more deliberately into the glass. The lights come on and the brain fires up immediately and it takes you by surprise just how quickly your olfactory system senses that you are in the presence of greatness. I was in a state of heightened anticipation, long before I raised the glass to my lips and the reward is exquisite. The perfume and palate combine in an astral haze of delight with orange blossom, fig, lemon verbena, wild honey and acacia notes caressing your senses. The texture is super-smooth, incredibly long and unnervingly gentle. It certainly possesses the longest finish I can remember on a Vin de Constance and I have, very fortunately, a tasted huge number of vintages of this wine. If you have never tasted this wine before, please start with this vintage – it will blow your mind. If you have and you are a fan, this is a critical purchase for your collection. I cannot wait to add this wine to my cellar later in the year.In Bond€303.00 -
Decanter (98)
Butterscotch, lemon patisserie and peach aromas. Pristine quality to the texture, lively and thrilling, this is a serious, opulent and powerful wine, more on the spiced, nuanced side with aspects of dried herbs, wood scents and bitter lemon and orange with a touch of honeyed lychee. It feels supremely complex and characterful. Sophisticated, layered and balanced with some minerality, a slight graphite edge all of which adds to the whole. It's still extremely youthful but there is real sculpting here, a sense of precision, style and freshness. Well crafted with an extremely long life ahead. A wonder, and one of the best from the estate!In Bond€485.00 -
Decanter (98)
Butterscotch, lemon patisserie and peach aromas. Pristine quality to the texture, lively and thrilling, this is a serious, opulent and powerful wine, more on the spiced, nuanced side with aspects of dried herbs, wood scents and bitter lemon and orange with a touch of honeyed lychee. It feels supremely complex and characterful. Sophisticated, layered and balanced with some minerality, a slight graphite edge all of which adds to the whole. It's still extremely youthful but there is real sculpting here, a sense of precision, style and freshness. Well crafted with an extremely long life ahead. A wonder, and one of the best from the estate!In Bond€318.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest Vin de Constance is a very good rather than truly great iteration of this famous sweet wine, but that still makes it pretty special. Made with 28 different batches of Muscat de Frontignan, picked over the space of only three weeks because of the hotter vintage, it has honey, barley sugar, guava and apricot flavours, scented oak spices and a finish that combines glycerol with bright acidity.In Bond€476.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest Vin de Constance is a very good rather than truly great iteration of this famous sweet wine, but that still makes it pretty special. Made with 28 different batches of Muscat de Frontignan, picked over the space of only three weeks because of the hotter vintage, it has honey, barley sugar, guava and apricot flavours, scented oak spices and a finish that combines glycerol with bright acidity.In Bond€333.00 -
(1x150cl) 2021
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.In Bond€213.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.In Bond€473.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.In Bond€329.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Tim Atkin MW (98)
Produced in what Matt Day describes as a "perfect" year from Vin de Constance, featuring a long, cool, three-week harvest, the 2021 release has no botrytis but amazing concentration, freshness and intensity. Combining grapes from 25 batches, this confirms the wine's standing as one of the world's great stickies, with layers of orange blossom, jasmine, quince, marmalade and tarte tatin, 168 grams of residual sugar and remarkable freshness and palate length.Expected Price Range€312 - €369 -
Decanter (97)
Best in Show - Those seeking out reds based on Cabernet Franc beyond their French home are, often enough, looking for a red wine which combines something of the structure and command of Cabernet Sauvignon but with more lift, grace and aromatic refinement. The red wine from this year's brace of South African Best In Show winners fills that role admirably. It's dark in colour, with refined, complex, raspberry and root-spice aromas in subtle and uninsistent style. Look out for bright, pure raspberry fruits on the palate with a further twist of liquorice and gentian. The structure comes more from the wine's quiet, limpid acidity than from any notable tannin presence, further unscoring that accessibility and responsiveness.In Bond€173.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017
Savour the exquisite depth of Laibach, Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2017. Produced by committed artisans in Stellenbosch - South Africa's renowned wine region - this engaging Pinotage exemplifies the refined viticulture for which Laibach is celebrated. Grown sustainably in iron-rich laterite soils, the 2017 vintage is matured for 14 months in French oak barrels providing a robust, flavourful character. The rich, dark fruit flavours intertwine with spicy notes and a full-bodied texture, presenting an unmatched taste profile. The elegant bottle design is the final touch, reflecting its unique prestige among wine enthusiasts. Offering a sophisticated drinking experience that goes beyond the conventional, Laibach, Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2017 is indeed a truly memorable accompaniment to any refined gathering. Indulge yourself and mark your occasions with the unrivalled quality of this South African gem.
In Bond€171.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
This is "just" the basic Cabernet Sauvignon from Christo Le Riche, but it's a brilliant wine in its own right. Using grapes from ten different vineyards across Stellenbosch in Firgrove, the Helderberg, Jonkershoek, Raithby and the Simonsberg, it's a masterclass in blending. Matured in 18% new wood, it's wonderfully pure and scented, all violet, tar, tobacco leaf and liquorice, with plush yet structured cassis, black cherry and Asian spice flavours and the backbone to age for another decade in bottle.In Bond€165.00 -
(1x150cl) 2020
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of Bordeaux craftsmanship, meticulously cultivated in the renowned Médoc region. Handpicked from estate-owned vineyards, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefit from optimal terroir, characterised by gravelly soils and a favourable microclimate. The vinification process employs traditional French techniques, including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal's integrity, followed by maturation for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting nuanced tannins and complexity. Produced by Château Le Riche, a family-owned estate with a legacy spanning over a century, this reserve showcases their unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainable viticulture. The 2020 vintage reveals deep, concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle hints of cedar, underpinned by a velvety smooth finish. Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 stands as a testament to the producer’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines that age gracefully and enchant the palate.
In Bond€188.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of Bordeaux craftsmanship, meticulously cultivated in the renowned Médoc region. Handpicked from estate-owned vineyards, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes benefit from optimal terroir, characterised by gravelly soils and a favourable microclimate. The vinification process employs traditional French techniques, including fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal's integrity, followed by maturation for 18 months in French oak barrels, imparting nuanced tannins and complexity. Produced by Château Le Riche, a family-owned estate with a legacy spanning over a century, this reserve showcases their unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainable viticulture. The 2020 vintage reveals deep, concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle hints of cedar, underpinned by a velvety smooth finish. Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 stands as a testament to the producer’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines that age gracefully and enchant the palate.
In Bond€528.00 -
(1x150cl) 2021
Wine Advocate (95)
Christo and Yvonne Le Riche are turning out some very beautiful Cabernet Sauvignons. Packaged in a heavy glass bottle, the 2021 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is spicy, dark and very riche (pun intended). The wine shows concentrated fruit enhanced by peppery notes and smoky spice. Generous oak rendering adds savory hints of scorched earth. I love the chalky tannins on this full-bodied wine. This Reserve is only made in the best years. Grapes are hand-selected from low-yielding old vines. It spends up to 14 days on the skins with manual punch-downs for gentle color extraction. It then goes into barrel for secondary fermentation, remaining in oak for one year. The final blend is then made and the wine is put back in barrel for another year, plus one year in bottle. This 10,584-bottle release is unfined and unfiltered.In Bond€153.00
