Winemaker Notes
Intense ruby red in appearance, it opens with a refined bouquet of black cherry, plum, and sandalwood, accented by tomato leaf and a delicate mineral nuance of slate & graphite. On the palate, vibrant red fruit and gentle spice are balanced by silky tannins, culminating in a smooth mocha finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Violets, plums, graphite and purple basil on the nose of this nicely composed red. It’s full-bodied but fresh and cool with bright acidity, fine-grained tannins and an elegant finish. A blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 33% petit verdot, 8% shiraz and 1% malbec.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Klein Constantia 2022 Constantia Valley Red is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah and 1% Malbec. The wine is the same as the 2021 also reviewed here, but the word "Estate" has been dropped from its name. I find that the Syrah and Petit Verdot come through stronger in this vintage, and the Cabernet Sauvignon is less dominant. There is bold black fruit, spice, white peppercorn and grilled herb over a medium-plus finish.
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.