Constantia Glen hits the high notes in Tim Atkin’s Special Report
Constantia Glen wines have excelled with four Bordeaux-style blends scoring 92 points or more in the highly respected Tim Atkin South Africa 2021 Special Report.
The highest scores of 93/100 were awarded to three Constantia Glen flagship red and white blends. Both the 2017 and 2018 vintages of the Constantia Glen FIVE, are top scorers amongst the reds, while the Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend, Constantia Glen TWO 2019 was the top achieving white wine.
Atkin, a UK Master of Wines, describes the FIVE 2017 as ‘a stylish, textured quintet’ of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. He considers the wood component as ‘very well handled, framing smooth tannins, cassis, cut grass and red berry fruit and cool climate acidity.’
Atkin regards the equally impressive FIVE 2018 as ‘appealingly approachable at just three years of age.’ His tasting notes describe the wine as having ‘aromas of rosemary and sage, assertive new wood, hints of balsam, blackcurrant leaf and tobacco leaf, granular tannins and an elegant, tapering finish.’
Constantia Glen TWO 2019 stands out for Atkin as ‘subtle, scented and elegant with pink grapefruit and vanilla pod flavours, racy acidity and deftly integrated leesy weight.’ The wine is a consummate blend of Sauvignon Blanc, lending acidity and backbone, and Sémillon contributing to the waxy weight, richness and texture.
Atkin also has high praise for the Constantia Glen THREE 2018, awarding the wine 92 points. ‘Juicy, glossy and red-fruited with some spicy oak, a green undertone and a nicely poised finish,’ is how he describes this classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Now in its ninth year, Tim Atkin’s 2021 report is regarded as one of the most detailed and authoritative overviews of the South African wine industry. The wines are rated according to the international 100-point system.
These acclaimed Constantia Glen wines are all available directly from the estate, or online via https://www.constantiaglen.com/order-wine/.