Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Constantia Glen Three is a blend of 45% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon raised for 17 months in 42% new and the remainder second-fill French oak, its aim to be more approachable than the other cuvées. It has a vibrant peppermint-tinged bouquet with lush red cherries and cassis aromas following suit, later wild fennel. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, the Cabernet Franc coming through nicely adding freshness, touches of green bell pepper and cedar wood, the finish winding down a little to retain elegance. Very fine.
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.