Klein Constantia - Vin de Constance 2022 (liquoreux, 50cl)

 Klein Constantia’s 2022 Natural Vin de Constance is a sweet, expressive, and exuberant wine, the result of a hot and concentrated growing season. The harvest, which took place over approximately four weeks during this scorching vintage, proceeded under ideal conditions until late-season weather accelerated the harvest, which was completed in early April. The grapes underwent cold settling before pressing, followed by successive blending and extended aging. This vintage allowed for a particularly rigorous selection of fruit, with certain grape varieties even being excluded. The wine reveals explosive aromas of orange, saffron, and honey. The refreshing Atlantic breezes remain essential for maintaining balance during hot vintages such as 2022. 2027–2060

The 2022 Vin de Constance harvest took place from March 15 to April 7, with fewer passes through the vineyards; Matt Day explained that the team is more confident about the timing and method of the harvest. There were 18 passes through the vineyards, compared to 30 previously. Skin contact, with pumping over, lasts one week. A base wine is then produced, followed by fermentation on the skins using a Sauternes yeast strain. Pressing takes one to two hours, with numerous blending operations carried out at dawn until all the tanks reach approximately 165 g/L of residual sugar and 14 degrees of alcohol. At this stage, fermentation stops naturally, according to Matt Day. Aging continues for 18 months in 500-liter barrels, 50% of which are new oak, followed by an additional 20 months (or slightly more) in casks. The nose is very pure and fragrant, with aromas of wild honey, yellow fruits, and quince, followed by notes of rose water and white flowers that emerge over time. The attack on the palate is velvety and exquisitely balanced. It offers the richness expected of a Vin de Constance, without any heaviness, and a lovely tension on the finish. With great precision and remarkable energy, this sophisticated Vin de Constance will age magnificently in the bottle. 2029–2050

Enchanting aromas of apricot jam, jasmine, orange zest, mango, cloves, and crème caramel waft from the glass, intertwined with notes of candied ginger and cinnamon brioche. This wine is rich and concentrated. The sweetness of the fruit is balanced by lively acidity, with spicy, savory, and zesty notes. A very long and elegant finish. Enjoy now or celller.

Intense golden color. An expressive and remarkable nose, with aromas of fresh honey, candied orange zest, dried apricots and marinated peaches, almond blossoms, toasted pine nuts, Montélimar nougat, and acacia blossoms. On the palate, it offers a rich and flavorful texture, with aromatic complexity evoking dried apricots and fresh peach jam, elegant floral notes, and subtle spices. A wine of great purity, with fine, balanced acidity, beautiful depth, and a remarkably long finish.