2020 Constantia Glen, Three, Constantia, South Africa
Critics reviews
The 2020 Three consists of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, malo in barrel, and 25% aged in new French oak for 18 months. It has a lively bouquet with peppermint-tinged red berry fruit, quite reminiscent of a Sonoma Merlot in some ways. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with grainy tannins on the entry and a healthy dash of black pepper, well-balanced with a touch of hickory towards the finish. Drink over the next five to seven years.
Drink 2024 - 2030
Neal Martin, Vinous.com (November 2023)
Made from 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Three begins with an herbal nose and red fruit nature, showing the fruit condition being pulled a little riper than it wants to be. Notes of stewed tomato start to creep into the expression, with soft, herbal and savoury notes of red pepper skin. Medium to full-bodied, this red blend is oddly ripe before ending with an open-knit finish. I don’t see this lasting beyond this decade. Drink sooner than later.
Drink 2023 - 2028
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate (December 2023)
About this WINE
Constantia Glen
Constantia Glen is the newest of the eight wineries which have established themselves in the enclave of Constantia in South Africa, close to Cape Town itself. A landscape with a rich viticultural history, it is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest natural areas in which to produce premium wine.
Although the region is more commonly known for its white varietals, Constantia Glen’s unique position – lying between a gap in the mountains – allows red grapes to mature perfectly here as they bask in an additional one and a half hours’ sunlight every day. As such, Constantia Glen has made a name for its elegant, complex and beautifully balanced Bordeaux blends, wines which show exceptional value for money.
The red wines are based on the traditional Bordeaux grapes. The “Three” uses Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; while the “Five” has the addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
The reds are joined by two whites: a refreshing, crisp and classically proportioned Sauvignon Blanc and an energetic blend, the “Two”, which is made predominantly with Sauvignon Blanc (as one of the most aromatically pure examples in the country), with a touch of Sémillon to enhance its many layers.
Constantia
The historically important if tiny wine district of Constantia lies in Cape Town’s southern wards, and on the most southerly point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope.
Constantia is most famous for its ancient dessert wine Vin de Constance (made from Muscat de Frontignan) as produced by Klein Constantia estate.
The cooling, south-easterly sea breezes make Constantia a natural site for Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon as well as Muscat.
The district is home to a mere 8 wine estates, including Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Buitervenwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Eagles' Nest, Steenberg, Constantia Glen
Merlot/Cabernet Franc
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are grape varieties commonly used in Bordeaux-style blends, particularly in the Bordeaux region of France. When these two grapes are blended, they can create a wine that combines the best characteristics of each variety.
Merlot is known for its smoothness, soft tannins, and ripe fruit flavours. It often contributes black cherry, plum, and chocolate flavours to the blend. The grapes are relatively easy to grow and ripen earlier than other Bordeaux varieties, making them versatile for blending.
Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, adds structure, depth, and complexity to the blend. It typically brings aromas of red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, along with herbal notes like bell pepper and tobacco. These grapes have thinner skins and can be more challenging to cultivate, requiring specific growing conditions to reach their full potential.
When Merlot and Cabernet Franc are combined, the result is a well-balanced wine with various flavours and aromas. The blend often exhibits a Bordeaux wine's medium to full body, along with a smooth texture and moderate tannins. The specific flavour profile can vary depending on the proportions of each grape in the blend and the terroir and winemaking techniques employed.
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Description
The 2020 Constantia Glen Three is a Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa's historic Constantia region, renowned for its cooling sea breezes and well-drained soils. These impart a distinctive freshness to this wine. Comprising 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, this showcases an intricate blend of dark cherries, blackcurrant, and plum, with cedar, tobacco, and dark chocolate notes.
It is elegant and not too rich on the palate, revealing ripe flavours of cassis and dark cherry, complemented by graphite, spice, and a touch of vanilla. The tannins are finely structured and velvety, providing a smooth texture. The finish is long and sophisticated, with lingering dark fruit and a subtle hint of oak, promising excellent ageing potential. Enjoy with mushroom risotto or grilled lamb dishes.
Drink 2024 - 2034
Katie Merry, Assistant Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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