Hot off the press...Continuing a proud tradition, the Constitution Road wines, Robertson Winery’s flagship range, continue to impress with the new vintage Chardonnay 2016 and Shiraz 2015 receiving recognition both locally and internationally.
Robertson Winery’s unswerving commitment to quality led to the creation of this exclusive range named after the winery’s home at No 1 Constitution Road in Robertson. The maiden 2002 Shiraz was launched in 2004, commemorating ten years of democracy in South Africa under the new constitution, and rose to great heights with a steady stream of prominent accolades. Joining the Shiraz in this range, the award-winning Constitution Road Chardonnay 2014 followed in 2016.
The Label
The Constitution Road wines are freshly adorned with a creative Anthony Lane label design symbolising the democratic pillars of the South African constitution, mirroring the values and beliefs of Robertson Winery:
Liberty/Freedom: To explore the true potential of the Robertson Valley, creative freedom for the winemakers to experiment and innovate
Governance/Wisdom and Knowledge: A respect of age-old traditions, knowledge shared between generations of winemakers yet writing a new chapter with each vintage
Justice and Equality/Balance and Consistency: Only a sensitive understanding of each varietal and vineyard ensures balance and consistency, the holy grails of great wines.
Provenance/Sense of Place: Creating wines that express their origin
Constitution Wines
Both supremely elegant, sophisticated and complex wines, the Constitution Road Shiraz and Chardonnay, sourced from selected premium vineyards and given the utmost care in the cellar, have lived up to their lofty reputation.
The beautifully rounded and refined, rich, creamy Chardonnay with a fresh citrus edge and a light cloak of oak, has regularly enjoyed golden success at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, Chardonnay Du Monde and Vitis Vinifera Awards as well as excellent ratings in Platter’s wine guide.
The rich, powerful and immensely alluring velvety Shiraz with gorgeous ripe dark fruit enveloping warm spice and a hint of dark chocolate, has seen exceptional performances at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, the Shiraz SA Wine Challenge, Syrah du Monde, Vitis Vinifera Awards and regular 4½ and 4 star Platter’s ratings as well as a Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy.
The Constitution Wines are made by Jacques Roux, the passionate and totally focused specialty winemaker at Robertson Winery since 2001, who lives and breathes wine.
Robertson Winery Constitution Road Chardonnay 2016
The vineyard
The grapes come from selected premium vineyards on Robertson Winery’s Wandsbeck farm. The vineyards are shy bearing and the berries are extremely small. “It’s an amazing vineyard. I have worked with many different vineyards in the Robertson Wine Valley over the past five years and this is the best for Chardonnay”, continues Jacques Roux.
The cellar
Only the free-run juice was used, partially settled for 12 hours and then racked off the heavy lees into new and 2nd-fill French oak. Natural fermentation took place in barrel, after which the wine was left on the primary lees and underwent malolactic fermentation in new and 2nd fill French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 18 months in barrel.
The wine
Alluring interlaced aromas of citrus, buttered toast, marmalade and vanilla are prominent on the nose. A zesty acidity counters the rich creamy texture on the palate, which exhibits layers of citrus, pear and butterscotch that linger on the finish.
The accolades
Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2018 – Double Gold
Chardonnay Du Monde 2018 – Silver
Vitis Vinifera Awards 2018 – Gold
Food
Eggs Benedict; Grilled prawns or salmon with garlic butter sauce; Fillet steak béarnaise; Grilled chicken with butternut coulis and sliced avocado; Toasted polenta with Brie and sautéed mushrooms; Sage-butter pumpkin ravioli.
Price
The Robertson Winery Constitution Road Chardonnay 2016 retails nationally at leading wine retailers for approximately R150.
Robertson Winery Constitution Road Shiaz 2015
The vineyard
The grapes are sourced from Robertson Winery’s top shiraz vineyards - two premium blocks on the Wolfkloof farm.
The cellar
A 10% saignée and two days of cold maceration took place in small open top fermenters. Once fermentation began, the skin cap was punched down or pumped over every six hours to ensure optimal extraction of flavour, tannin and colour. After fermentation the wine was left on the skins for 5-7 days extended maceration. Malolactic fermentation took place in 100% new 225- and 300-litre French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 36 months in barrel.
The wine
It has a radiant deep purple colour. Rich aromas of ripe plum and blackberries envelop warm spice notes and a hint of dark chocolate. The ripe, dark fruit found on the nose follows through onto the voluptuous, velvety palate and lingers on the finish. This opulent wine is bold, well-structured and exquisitely poised.
Cellaring potential
7 to 10 years
The accolades
Michelangelo International Wine Awards –Gold
Syrah Du Monde 2018 – Silver
Food
Slow-roasted barbecue pork shoulder with plum sauce; Grilled pepper steak with onion and blue cheese; Herb-crusted rack of lamb; A hearty venison casserole.
Price
The Robertson Winery Constitution Road Shiraz 2012 retails nationally at leading wine retailers for approximately R220.
