2008 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

The 2008 Vin de Constance is the latest release from the estate. `We were happy with the 2008,` Matthew told me. `But it was tough to follow-up a great vintage. It spent a slightly shorter time in barrel and has 160g/L residual sugar with a pH of 3.6. It had the lowest volatile acidity in a Vin de Constance in a long time. To me the 2008 is more toward the older style of Vin de Constance.` It already offers a very complex bouquet with fresh pineapple, quince, Japanese yuzu, just a hint of grass clippings and then later mille fieulle. It is obviously tightly wound at the moment, but extremely well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine viscous entry that immediately comes across as very elegant and refined. It feel smooth and pure – gentle in the mouth, caressing the senses with its quince and marmalade tinged finish with a suggestions of shaved ginger on the aftertaste. Returning after 40 minutes, the finish has mellowed and attained a beguiling effervescent quality, almost like an unct uous Lucozade! Wonderful. 95 points

With a residual sugar of `only` 150 grams, this is on the drier side of recent Vin de Constance releases. It also has a little less volatility than some. Caramel, quince, cinnamon spice, subtle oak, orange peel and acacia honey are thrillingly entwined on the palate here. Drink 2014-25 96 points