Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Constantia Glen Five is a blend of 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and the balance Malbec, like the 2009 matured in 100% new French oak for 18 months. It has a softer nose with more pronounced red fruit and a touch more complexity compared to the previous vintage, with sous bois notes coming through via the Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is medium-bodied, smooth and fleshy in the mouth with finely-tuned acidity and a harmonious, cedar and blackberry finish. I prefer this to the 2009 and I suspect it will repay a little cellaring.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
One of the most famous and celebrated wine regions imported throughout Europe during the 18th century, Constantia was founded in 1685 by a Dutch governor named Simon van der Stel who ran a successful wine farm for many years.
Constantia vineyards, planted in ancient soil beds, climb up the east-facing slopes of the Constantiaberg, where the vines receive cool sea breezes blowing in from False Bay.