2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'

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2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
A spicy, fruit forward and plush new world style blend. The balance of rich texture and freshness gives this wine vibrancy, making it the perfect fit for Aidan.
Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm situated at the top of Constantia Nek overlooking False Bay. These lovingly nurtured vines are spoilt with panoramic views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountain ranges.

Tasting Notes 

The 2018 Aidan is a character of serious substance. A dry vintage has sculpted a wine with incredible structure, boasting flavours that lean towards the darker spectrum of fruit. This blend is predominantly Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Malbec and Merlot used as well.

Nose

At first, aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries fill the nose, until a necessary swirl allows for spices such as star anise, five spice and mace to enter the conversation.

Palate

Olive tapenade and fresh leather hint in the distance, beautifully balanced by a serious salinity that pins this offering to its maritime environment, where the vines grow on steep slopes circled by the cold Atlantic Ocean. 

The Year by Winemaker Megan van der Merwe

"The 2018 vintage will long be remembered for its coolness and low disease pressure. It will also be remembered as the first real vintage to feel the effects of the famous Cape Drought that started in 2015 and worsened towards 2018. Our yields were down by 10%, but with our buffering cool climate conditions, the quality of the vintage was superlative."

Winery

Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.

Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.

The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.

This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.

Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.

Accolades & Awards

  • 94pts | IWSC 2021
Attractively spicy with aromas of oak and flora combining with fresh red fruit on the nose. Nicely concentrated with sweet spices interlacing the well-balanced, juicy palate.
  • 90pts | Tim Atkin

​​Aidan is an ambitious and – for Constantia – unusual four-way blend of mostly Syrah with 61% Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Dark, sinewy and concentrated, with lots of tannic backbone, damson and blackberry fruit and well-integrated 54% new oak. 2022-27

  • 91pts | Platter’s

Syrah component raised to 39% in 2017, with petit verdot, cab & malbec, showing less muscle, more refinement than 2016 (4 stars, 89 pts). Delightful earthy notes with black cherries & cassis, plush ripe tannins. 20 months in barrel, 54% new.

Specifications

Year 2018
Bottle Size 750ml
Cultivar 32% Syrah, 28% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 7% Merlot.
Country South Africa
Alcohol content
14.5% abv
Units of Alcohol per Bottle 10.9 units per bottle
Type Red Blend
Cellaring Potential 2022-2027
Food Matching Enjoy with a rosemary-crusted roast rack of lamb with root vegetables and a rich, umami gravy and other rich, savoury slow cooked dishes.
Allergen Information Contains sulphites
Origin Constantia
Appellation WO Western Cape