Winery - Groot Constantia
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Cinnamon and spice on the nose and soft, integrated flavors on the palate characterize this wine from Groot Constantia, a producer of elegant, food-friendly wines. The wine is structured but balanced and mellow in style. Pair with pasta dishes and game.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
There’s a slight acrid tinge to the primarily woody nose and the fruit on the palate is tart and thin. Pleasant leathery and dried-spice notes partially redeem it.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The nose shows variety and nuance, with light tart berry, menthol, cream and smoke aromas. The berries are always there, but an intense, toasty oakiness comes up and keeps coming on. The wine is relatively light on the tongue, still the woody tannins get intense and the wine closes rather puckery.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This historic property's 2001 Cabernet is lean and tart, with aromas and flavors more mineral, iodine, and even animal, than of fruit or tobacco. A little barnyardiness can add complexity, but the forward elements here will overtly challenge most palates.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Nicely balanced, with medium weight, good acidity and tart black cherry flavors sporting dark chocolate accents. Yes, the funky earth, game and menthol oak bouquet will challenge some, but there’s a good, tasty wine here. Closes dry with smooth, even tannins.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Lean and green, showing the same tang seen in many New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. Lime and bright green pepper notes abound and bracing acidity wakes up the taste buds. Quite tart, but decently made, and will appeal to fans of the style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This displays structured but elegant layers of cinnamon spice and soft berry and the finish is long and gentle. The nose is gamy and spicy but classically subdued. A delicious food wine with aging potential.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From a producer of famed whites comes a beautiful Cabernet with an elegant, poised character. Mint, clove and deep berry on the nose are followed on the palate, where balanced tannins and spice offer serious flavor. The overall character is rich but softer, making it a lovely food wine.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Comes out of the chute with guns blazing, but then quickly falls off into a rough-and-ready, country-style red. Big pie-cherry flavors and a somewhat charming rusticity, but also some funky, unsteady flavors and a finish that doesn’t stay in bounds.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Although it comes from despite a cooler climate than Stellenbosch, this wine achieved 14.5% alcohol. But you wouldn’t know it, as it has elegant flavors of ripe cherry, plum and chocolate in a beautifully balanced framework. Groot Constantia’s reds all have a silky texture, and this one is no different. The nose favors brown sugar and chocolate over muted red berry, but this wine will drink well over the next five years, and possibly beyond.
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