Round and medium-bodied, this balanced version offers flavors of baked black cherry and boysenberry, tobacco and dried mint, dark chocolate and spice, which are all well-knit with light, taut tannins and a refreshing, lightly juicy acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2028. 1,500 cases made, 300 cases imported – Wine Spectator, 91 Points

WINE INFORMATION

This historical and famous winery has a history dating back to 1685. It was awarded as an estate to commander of the Cap, Simon van der Stel by the Dutch East India Company. It was part of Groot Constantia until 1823, when the land was divided between the brothers Jacob Pieter and Johan Gerhard Cloete. Gerhard took ownership of the upper reaches, situated on the eastern slopes and foothills of the Constantiaberg, where there were already over 33,000 vines planted. He named it Klein Constantia.

After a long time period of the estate moving back and forth it finally came into some stability in the 1980’s. The newest owners of the property begin to make dry red wines, and use the old recipes to recreate the sweet vin de Constance which was so loved. In 2015 it was ranked 10th amongst the world's best wines from Wine Spectator, it was the first South African wine to do so. The present wine maker is one of only three in the since 1980, Matthew Day began as assistant wine maker for 5 years and for 12 years now has been head winemaker.

Presently the estate has been managed to encourage biodiversity. Buffer zones for endemic fauna and flora have been left along the farm borders, contours and river courses. These corridors also provide pathways for animals and insects, boosting the biodiversity of our 146-hectare estate. They are certified organic and practicing sustainable farm practices.

The grapes for this wine come from distinctive parcels at a high elevation. They are bunch and berry sorted. Malolactic fermentation takes place in 40 % new French oak barrels after alcoholic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 15 months before blending and bottling.

Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Mushrooms, Red Meat, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Wild Game