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Klein Constantia Marlbrook 1990 – Awoken again after 25 years!

In preparation for our upcoming exclusive gourmet evening with special guest, Matthew Day from Klein Constantia on Friday 13 March, the team decided to open a bottle of Klein Constantia’s Marlbrook 1990 to taste, before we decide to serve it during the event. Grown on the 18th Century Marlbrook title of the Klein Constantia Estate, this is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, grown on the lower warmer slopes of the estate.


The Marlbrook wines are named after John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, who was greatly admired by Simon van der Stel, who even named a cottage on the Estate after him.



The 1990 vintage was made by the late Ross Gower, who was the first winemaker appointed after the historic Estate was purchased by the Jooste family in 1980 and has been instrumental in the rebirth of the Klein Constantia Estate as we know it today.


A moment of silence while we enjoyed this incredible and age-worthy wine … not only for a pioneering winemaker, but also for the revival of a legendary wine Estate!intage was made by the late Ross Gower, who was the first winemaker appointed after the historic Estate was purchased by the Jooste family in 1980 and has been instrumental in the rebirth of the Klein Constantia Estate as we know it today.


Cultivar: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc


Winemaker: Ross Gower (the late and great)


Ullage: No ullage visible.


Cork: Cork still in excellent condition.


Color: Brick red color with a dark Burgundy heart – clear with only slight sediment in the bottle.


Bouquet: A complex bouquet of vegetable notes, green beans and subtle white pepper, the wine has still managed to keep its original herbaceous character with secondary aromas of baked bread crust, dried rose petals and tobacco leaf. Evolution in the glass was fast however, within an hour it started to show notes of oxidation – we would not recommend decanting this wine.


Palate: Silky and smooth on entry with flavors of potpourri, dried cherries and mint, showing finesse with smoky, sweet biltong nuances while retaining an undertone of chocolate. The finish is long, layered and fruity with a beautiful complexity.


Food Pairing:This is a wine to be drunk now in front of the fireplace with good friends and some spirited conversation!


Score: 90/100


Santé!


Cellar Master

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