Wade Bales Constantia White 2018

Collab project.

Wade Bales, négociant and owner of Wade Bales Fine Wines & Spirits, believes that South Africa’s wine regions go under-promoted and towards rectifying this situation, has launched a regional series of wines, the first release being the Constantia White 2018.

It’s a blend of 67% Sauvignon Blanc and 33% Semillon, this being what Bales believes is the signature style of the appellation. The wine was made as a collaborative project between the winemakers of seven Constantia properties, namely Brad Paton of Buitenverwachting, Justin van Wyk of Constantia Glen, Jacques du Plessis of Constantia Uitsig (subsequently departed for Oak Valley), Boela Gerber of Groot Constantia, Matthew Day of Klein Constantia, Gregory Brink Louw of Silvermist and JD Pretorius of Steenberg (set to take up a position at Warwick in due course).

It’s a stylish offering. Herbs, pear, white peach and lime on the nose while the palate is pure and precise with fresh acidity and a salty finish. It drinks well enough now but should fill out and gain extra complexity with 12 months in bottle. Total production: 900 six-bottle cases. Price: R220 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.