Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
The 2012 Vin de Constance has a lucid amber hue. Tangerine, orange peel and a touch of wet wool on the nose, becoming increasingly petrolly with time, this has verve and intensity. The palate is underpinned by a fine bead of acidity that cuts through its viscosity, barley sugar and quince, smooth and harmonious with an utterly seductive finish. I feel this is beginning to reach its plateau, but it has the energy to remain cruising at high altitude for a number of years.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040
Wine Advocate 94
The 2012 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine delivers 160 grams per liter of residual sugar with a pH of 3.7 and, spent 28 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels. There is actually great similarity on the nose, perhaps a little more floral than the 2011 with mirabelle,and a touch of petrol infusing the honey and marmalade aromas. The palate is unctuous on the entry, nicely balanced as the acidity slices through the rich honeyed fruit that lingers long in the mouth, a touch of orange zest and nectarine towards the finish. I have a preference for this Vin de Constance over the 2012 – a superb dessert wine from Matthew Day.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2045