By Clodagh Dowson
Elegance, excellence and craftsmanship are some words that spring to mind when nursing a glass of wine from Rupert & Rothschild. Born in 1997, the Franschhoek farm at the foot of Simonsberg mountain is the perfect example of collaboration when it comes to Rothschild wine.
Having successfully established multiple wineries in Europe before looking to expand across the globe, Baron Edmond brought his Bordeaux approach to winemaking all the way to the beautiful, stretching landscapes of South Africa, where he met the late Dr Anton Rupert. United in their passion for wine and belief in South Africa’s potential as a winemaking region, Baron Edmond de Rothschild (great-grandson of James de Rothschild) and Dr Anton Rupert’s friendship has produced one of the greatest wine estates in the New World by combining innovation and tradition.
Curating just three wines, the estate’s portfolio has a clear emphasis on quality over quantity. Being some of our best-sellers in the Manor Shop, the Rupert & Rothschild wines are ‘of neither world’, blending traditional techniques with the New World terroirs of South African soil. What’s more, the wines were made purely for the love of the craft, unlike the profit driven labels you see dominating supermarket shelves.
Despite their limited range, each of the three wines offer their own complex, unique and multifaceted personality. These wines truly speak for themselves, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Rupert & Rothschild Classique | Waddesdon Manor
This is the first vintage to include Cabernet Franc in the blend, which lifts the texture making for a more elegant wine, although Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon still dominate the assemblage. This is Classique at it’s best and after 16 months in French oak and a few years in the bottle this vintage is singing! A complex and smoky nose starts off with roasted coffee, cassis, black cherry and earthy spice. The palate is medium to full bodied with seamless tannins and just enough acidity to retain freshness. There’s ripeness and richness on the palate, but it’s not overworked or overripe, it’s balanced and very well made. The wines of Rupert and Rothschild seem to get better with every passing vintage, and Classique certainly supports that theory.
Rupert & Rothschild Baroness Nadine | Waddesdon Manor
This vintage offers ripe tropical fruits, fresh citrus notes, roasted hazelnut, macadamia, and citrus blossom. This is a wonderful wine with a core of ripe tropical fruit all held together by a luxurious yet well- judged streak of rich oak. Baroness Nadine is crafted in a different style compared to a few years back – the style is much more in keeping with fashion, and subsequently the use of new French oak has been toned down. Baroness Nadine 2022 is considered the best vintage produced at Rupert and Rothschild Vignerons, balancing racy acidity and creamy well-balanced oak.
Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond | Waddesdon Manor
Delicate aromas of blackberry, blackcurrants, cedar wood and forest floor. Classically structured mouthfeel with a supple texture, complex layers and a focused linearity on the finish. A delicious partner with beef sirloin. The style of Baron Edmond has evolved over the years, from a heavily barrel-influenced blend that was overtly smoky and rich to a more complex, elegant and altogether more sophisticated wine. The 2020 feels so compact and elegant with supple tannins and a beautiful sense of restraint and confidence. It does seem to get better with each passing vintage.
