Constantia Glen FIVE awarded Decanter Platinum in London

Constantia Glen FIVE, the flagship red from the standout 2017 vintage, has shot the lights out with a Platinum award and a phenomenal score of 97/100 points at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards in London.

Widely held as the world’s largest and most influential international wine competition, a record number of over 18 000 wines from 56 countries were submitted this year.

The wines were tasted blind by a panel of 170 expert wine judges including UK Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers.

Crafted from all five Bordeaux red grape varieties thriving in Constantia Glen’s unique micro-climate and undulating vineyards, the 2017 vintage is a consummate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (32%), Merlot (24%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Petit Verdot (17%) and Malbec (10%). Great richness, texture, aromatic purity, and persistent, fine-grained tannins are the hallmark of the 2017 vintage.

“The textbook ripening conditions combined with meticulous attention to extraction and maturation methods in the cellar, have led to a compellingly structured wine with excellent freshness and depth,” says winemaker Justin van Wyk.

Constantia Glen winemaker Justin van Wyk

On the nose, the wine reveals clues to the unique Constantia Glen terroir with ripe blackcurrant and juicy plums enlivened by hints of fragrant dried herbs and wild fynbos flora. A fine balance between refinement and power after maturing for 18 months in predominantly new French oak barrels, Constantia Glen FIVE 2017 makes a dramatic entry on the palate with the abundance of concentrated dark fruit.