Producer

It all began in Constantia, the narrow bit of peninsula where Governor Simon van der Stel planted 750 hectares of vines in 1685. The South African wine industry has had many changes of fortune in the three centuries since, but this historic estate remains, divided now between five wineries. Buitenverwachting, meaning ‘beyond expectation’, belongs to the Mueller family, who have lovingly restored both its buildings and its reputation as a source of particularly elegant South African wine.

Vineyard

Grapes for this blend are from Constantia vineyards. The vines are planted on two soil types specific to South Africa: the deep, well-drained Clovelly, which is mainly weathered granite, and Tukulu, a dark granite/sandstone-based soil. The grapes were harvested in mid-March.

Winery

The must fermented on skins for twenty-eight days, then was aged in one hundred percent new French oak barrels for twenty-four months.

Awards

4 1/2 stars, Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2020