Issued by GC Communications on behalf of Constantia Glen
Constantia Glen, the
magnificently appointed boutique wine estate known for exceptional cool climate
wines, has released the 3rd edition of its flagship red, the
much anticipated Constantia Glen FIVE from the phenomenal 2009 vintage.
An elegant expression
of five Bordeaux varieties grown on the upper reaches of the Constantiaberg,
the wine is a benchmark of a vintage widely held as monumental for South
African red and white wines. The cool yet dry conditions ensured a longer than
usual ripening period resulting in the slow accumulation of sugars and abundant
flavours.
The Constantia Glen
FIVE 2009 is a superb exercise in balance and freshness from the cool climate
Constantia Glen vineyards and a worthy successor to the previous two highly
acclaimed vintages. Showing more restraint and finesse, the wine is a departure
from the more Cabernet driven 2008 blend with a greater leaning towards Petit
Verdot and Merlot. The 2009 vintage has already been applauded internationally
with a 91 point rating from respected UK wine commentator and Master of Wine,
Tim Atkin.
The wine comprises the
five classic Bordeaux varieties, Petit Verdot (40%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet
Franc (17%), Malbec (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (3%), and was aged in 100% new
French oak barrels for 18 months.
“Superbly balanced,
restrained and elegant with all the underpinnings of the expressive Bordeaux
varieties,” is how winemaker Justin van Wyk, who has been working in the
Constantia Glen cellar for the past six years, describes this wine. Aromas of
full ripe black cherry fruit and rich spice invite further exploration
revealing great depth and complexity that follows through onto the palate.
These layers of flavour are supported by incredible texture from the round, yet
persistent tannins. Once decanted, the multifaceted 2009 vintage shows powerful
development.
“The wine has the
depth and refinement symbolic of the cool ripening season of 2009. The result
is a unique wine with beautiful richness and concentration that lends a long,
well-defined finish and exceptional longevity,” says Justin.
He also attributes the
ability of the Constantia Glen team to hold back the wine for three years of
bottle maturation to develop further prior to release to the exceptionally long
and cool ripening period of the 2009 vintage.
“The beautiful balance
of acidity and tannin structure coupled with encouraging youthfulness and
minerality, are all indications of fantastic ageing potential for the next 15 –
20 years,” adds Justin who recommends enjoying this wine with roasted quail,
beef fillet or rosemary scented grilled lamb chops.
Constantia Glen FIVE
2009 is available at fine dining restaurants and boutique wine shops and sells
at the cellar door for R270 a bottle.
Constantia Glen is
open daily from 10h00 till 17h00 on week days and from 10h00
till 16h00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Look out for the Constantia Glen signs
towards the top of Constantia Main road. Call Tel: 021-795 6100 or 021-795
5639, e-mailwine@constantiaglen.co.za or visit www.constantiaglen.com for further information. The GPS co-ordinates are S 34º
0’39.6” E 18º 24’30.6”.
