Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2016

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.

To have and to hold.

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.