2019 Anwilka

I visited head winemaker Matt Day in Constantia just as a storm front swept in from the Atlantic, bringing much needed H2O. Day was still limping after falling ill during his brief trip to England to present the newly released Vin de Constance that I wrote up recently on Vinous. Day is now responsible for the Bordeaux blend Anwilka, whereas in the past it was made by separate winemakers. Comparing the 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages, that decision is already moving it in a positive direction – the wine less powerful yet more refined and Bordeaux-inspired. It seems to become less generic. Though, obviously known for the sweet Vin de Constance, Day is passionate about his range of Sauvignon Blancs from various terroirs. These are well worth hunting down, the tenet is one of terroir expression with a hands-off winemaking approach. Day also informed me that they have new plantings of Chardonnay at higher altitudes: east and southeast-facing vineyards on the right rootstocks, though there are no plans to cultivate more vines to increase the Vin de Constance.