The wines of Rupert & Rothschild, Paarl, South Africa

PO Box 55, Simondium 7670, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 874 1648 Fax: +27 (0) 21 874 1802
Email: info@frederickburg.co.za Website: www.fredericksburg.co.za

Rupert and Rothschild is about as posh as it gets in South Africa. The Friderickburg Estate where the project is based is run as a partnership between Anthonij Rupert and Benjamin de Rothschild (of the famous French family). The farm was formed in 1690 and was purchased by Anthonij Rupert in 1984, and since then the historic buildings and vineyards have been substantially modified.

Superstar winemaking consultant Michel Rolland is employed here, visiting the estate four times a year and assisting winemaker Schalk-Willem Joubert and viticultularist André Pentz. Just three wines are made: a Chardonnay and two red blends. They’re good but expensive.

Rupert & Rothschild Baroness Nadine Chardonnay 1999 Paarl, South Africa
100% barrel fermented in French oak. Quite a restrained nutty, toasty nose. Nothing sticks out here: it has a classy, restrained palate with herb-tinged, toasty, creamy fruit. Good balance and concentration. Very good/excellent (c. £16)

Rupert & Rothschild Classique 1998 Paarl, South Africa
A blend of Cabernet and Merlot matured in new oak barrels. Open, leafy berry fruit on the nose with a slight herby edge. This is quite classy and restrained. Nice chalky, leafy edge to the fruit on the palate: it’s tending towards the old world in style. Impressive. Very good+ (c. £10)

Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmund 1999 Paarl, South Africa
Another Cabernet/Merlot blend aged in new French oak. Quite deep coloured. Complex leathery, herby spicy notes on the nose which isn’t overly fruit driven. Good concentration on the palate which shows a classic rich tarry spicy edge to the restrained berry fruit. Firm tannins underpinning everything: classically structured, this is a bold wine with good ageing potential. Very good/excellent (c. £27)

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