South Africa — wine

Constantia Wine Region

Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town; one of the world's most dramatic wine regions with Table Mountain and False Bay as backdrop. Cool maritime climate from Atlantic and Indian Ocean breezes; granitic soils. Famous for Muscat-based Vin de Constance — the wine Napoleon exiled himself with on St. Helena. Also exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Excellent maritime Constantia conditions; Vin de Constance achieved extraordinary natural sweetness; Sauvignon Blanc precise
2021 Good growing season; Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc showing exceptional maritime mineral; Vin de Constance concentrated
2020 Outstanding vintage; Vin de Constance from 2020 considered among the finest since the revival; internationally praised
2019 Classic Constantia profile; maritime cooling excellent; Sauvignon Blanc showing passion fruit and sea mineral at best
2018 Western Cape drought impacting; Constantia's maritime position provided more rainfall; quality maintained
2017 Severe drought; lowest rainfall in 100 years; Constantia's proximity to ocean provided some relief; low yields
2016 Good Constantia vintage; Vin de Constance and Sauvignon Blanc both praised; Klein Constantia range at typical quality