Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2016
By Christian Eedes, 7 July 2017
4
Klein Constantia winemaker Matt Day says that the 2016 was the earliest since 1986 and the wines are perhaps a tiny notch down on those of the exceptional 2015 but still very accomplished.
Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Price: R130
On the nose, attractive notes of blossom and fresh herbs to go with citrus and white peach. With pure fruit, zippy acidity and a pithy finish, this is as neat and tidy as Sauvignon gets. Total production: 120 000 bottles.
Editor’s rating: 91/100.
Klein Constantia Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Not yet released.
Grapes from the nearby Zonnestraal property. Shy on the nose – hints of citrus and herbs. The palate shows succulent fruit and fresh acidity before a very dry finish. That much more substantial than its counterpart above.
Editor’s rating: 92/100.
Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Not yet released
A collaboration between Klein Constantia and Sancerre producer Pascal Jolivet, this wine is made using a spontaneous fermentation and low sulphur additions. Very aromatic with a fynbos top note before citrus, peach, apple and grapefruit. Lovely weight and texture, the acidity nicely integrated and a gently savoury quality to the finish.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
Glendirk Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Not yet released.
A joint venture between Klein Constantia and a nearby property which has vineyard but no processing facilities. A singular wine with citrus and fynbos on the nose before a palate which is lean and fresh, the finish long and particularly savoury, almost salty.
Editor’s rating: 92/100.
Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Not yet released.
From a single vineyard. Subtle notes of pear, lime and fynbos on the nose. The palate is very pure and focused, the way the wine comes to a point in the mouth quite striking. A true collector’s item.
Editor’s rating: 94/100.
Christian | 14 July 2017
Surely the question is: “Is Klein Constantia making world-class Sauvignon Blanc under the new management regime?” And, taking into account a variety of critical opinions, the answer appears to be “Yes”.
Jaco van Zyl | 14 July 2017
I generally enjoy the Klein Constantia Sauvignons quite a lot (particularly the Perdeblokke:)) and the ratings would fit with my expectations – if my expectations of someone else’s ratings or tasting notes had any relevance.
As a reference, the Tim Atkin 2016 report listed 6 Sauvignons from Klein Constantia, all 90 or above (5 at 93-94).
Kevin R | 14 July 2017
Udo taste and compare notes 😉
That Perdeblokke is always a beast though.
Udo | 13 July 2017
5 sauvignons and all above 90 points.
93 – 95: Outstanding.
90 – 92: Excellent.
Do you rate these wines compared to other varietals, international standards? Maybe we should start a rating system between 90 and 110 points…