In search of a legend.

Vin De Constance.  The wine sought after by European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th century, enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 during his exile to St. Helena, celebrated by authors Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, this drink is culitivated in the prized wine region of South Africa.  I mentioned this wine in a previous blog I wrote regarding my search for it, and by some strange twist of fate, came into possession of a bottle this past weekend.
The search began years ago when I read about a lead character in a book series I read who always drank Vin De Constance dessert wine in Switzerland (The Lions of Lucerne, by Brad Thor).  During my search I came to the conclusion that you must contact a special dealer to receive the wine, it was expensive, and tough to get.  The last time I looked I found a place that could ship it to me for a little over $100.00.  Not much of an option back then.

This past weekend, my mother and I were at the store picking up a few last minute odds and ends before her open house on Saturday showcasing her artistic abilities as a jeweler.  I had a funny thought of looking for this chocolate flavored dessert wine I had seen a while back when I looked up and noticed to my incredible amazement that there was a bottle of vintage 2002 Vin De Constance staring me in the face.  Of course it came with a $54.00 price tag as well.  But you only live once, or so I keep hearing.  At that moment I decided on a splurge and purchased the bottle.

Here is a little background on this divine dessert wine:
The historic vineyards were first planted in the late 1600's as part of the original Constantia estate.  The vineyard site was chosen for its soil of decomposed Table Mountain Granite and cooling sea breezes from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Aromas of dried mangos, apricots and honey with a viscous consistency give this wine a distinct presence.  The maturation of this wine is labeled as either "Drink now" or "Cellar Long-Term"

Now, keep in mind that the tasting notes of this wine are those from the actual site of the vineyards: http://www.kleinconstantia.com/.  I have not yet tasted this yet because, let face it, on my budget, a $54 bottle of wine is certainly for a special occasion, not just any time.  So please, stay tuned.  The moment I try this heavy hitter you can certainly expect to know about it.

Thanks for reading and wishing you best eating
Bon Appétit