Constantia Glen - Accolades - Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc wine Cape Town South Africa

Derek Smedley MW, one of the world’s leading palates and a co-chair of the prestigious International Wine Challenge recently tasted the full range of Constantia Glen in London and was fulsome in his praise.

Scoring the Sauvignon Blanc 2008 at 95 points, he notes: “There is a lot of character showing on the nose with the raciness of lemon all very upfront giving it a lovely freshness. Sweeter more tropical fruits and guava are in evidence on the palate, there is also grapefruit underpinned by racy flinty freshness. The flavours linger long on the finish.”

Smedley also rated the previous vintages of the Sauvignon Blanc highly, adding more evidence to how well cool-climate whites do age. He went on to laud the new red blends, again scoring the Constantia Saddle 2007 at 95 points. This Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend was noted as follows: “Sleek black fruits show themselves on the nose, first some cassis and then bilberry all backed by herbal cherry. The palate is full of black plum, lush and ripe but there is structure, freshness and spice that lifts the flavours and adds a more classic feel. The fruit lasts well with the feeling of more to show. Drink 2009-17.”

The highest score was reserved for the maiden release of the flagship red, the Constantia Glen 2007 – at an incredible 96 points. This is a blend of all five classic Bordeaux varieties and Smedley notes are as follows: “There is a lot happening on the nose with a mass of black fruits dominating. Behind this black richness is some red cherry and bramble giving freshness all backed by black truffle spice. The palate is voluptuous, generous and supple enriched by dark chocolate and coffee. Tannins are in evidence and although feeling ripe do give structure and support the weight of fruit. Drink - 2009-20.”

Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc achieves 90 points in Wine Spectator Magazine for 2006 vintage and 91 points for 2007 vintage

Constantia Glen has just been recognised with another top international accolade in the latest issue of Wine Spectator magazine, where they received 91 points for their 2007 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc.

“ Elegant and pure, with really nice cut to the white asparagus, fleur de sel and lime notes. The long, chiselled finish is very steely. A very precise, bony style. This winery is quietly on the rise. Drink now through 2010. ”
James Molesworth.

Constantia Glen also received 90 points for their 2006 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc.

The wine shows intense varietal characteristic, typical of Constantia Sauvignon Blanc in which tropical fruit is integrated with intense minerality.

Constantia Glen will be producing only 2 wines from the picturesque 60 hectare estate, namely a classically styled Sauvignon Blanc as well as a five varietal Bordeaux Blend.

Dominique Hebrard former owner/winemaker of Chateau Cheval Blanc has agreed to offer his experience and services on an exclusive basis to Constantia Glen, and is assisting newly appointed winemaker Karl Lambour in the vineyards and in the 120T newly appointed state-of-the-art gravity fed cellar.

Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc scoops gold medal at 2007 International Wine Challenge

The International Wine Challenge is one of the most influential International wine competitions with over 9 000 wines entered from 35 different countries. The wines are judged by a selection of more than 400 winemakers, merchants and writers from around the world, including the likes of Oz Clarke and Jancis Robinson MW, alongside a panel of more than 40 Masters of Wine and invited judges from over 19 different nationalities. Only 260 Gold medals were awarded this year, representing only 2.8% of the total entry.

This is only the second vintage from this boutique producer, a newly established Estate located on the slopes of the Constantiaberg overlooking False Bay.

Co-owner, Mr Gus Allen, was ecstatic with the news and commented: “ We originally identified the potential of Constantia Sauvignon, as well as an eventual five varietal Bordeaux blend, and this accolade represents a huge vote of confidence for us and our focussed planning. Our Sauvignon Blanc is classically styled combining tropical fruit with a well -integrated minerality.”