Rupert & Rothschild ‘a shared vision’• 24 April 2025
In May 1997, Rupert and Rothschild was born. Baron Edmund de Rothschild was already well established in the old world and wanted to take the expertise and passion he had to other wine regions. The main aim was to nurture pedigree wines in other lands. When he met Dr. Anton Rupert, a joint venture on the south African soils was formed, and they set off and found an ideal site at Simons Berg Mountain on a Franschhoek farm. The two decided to take a French approach to crafting wines expressing the potential of local vines.
Together, they made iconic wines that set new standards. These were unique and rare wines, they were created not for pride or profit but for the love of wine. The coming together of the late Baron Edmond de Rothschild and the late Dr. Anton Rupert helped establish the outstanding Rupert & Rothschild vignerons, a shared vision. It is now the responsibility of the next generation of these two families to uphold and continue to develop the legacy of their fathers.
I recently had the opportunity to feature these 3 wines *(imported into NZ by EDR-H NZ • Akarua & Rimapere Wines) at a bespoke ‘South Africa vs NZ’ Degustation that I hosted at my ‘Tasting Table’ in Browns Bay - New Zealand, and below are a few brief insights.
*(These wines are now available in New Zealand online, and most importantly are ready to sip, savour & share..., plus can also age).
Rupert & Rothschild ‘Baroness Nadine’ Chardonnay 2023
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Growing Region: Cape Coast - South Africa
Winemakers: André Roux & Kayla Oertle-Morse
Named after Baroness Nadine de Rothschild, who passed away in 2019. The wine is made using only the finest grapes, hand-harvested from the estate's vineyards in Franschhoek. After diligent vinification the wine was aged in French oak for 11 months to create an elegant, complex expression that exudes class and style, reflecting the passion of all involved.
★ You have a developing golden straw colour with shining hue. On the engaging nose you have aromas of ripe apples, white peaches, mandarin skin, white floral highlights, with a hint of citrus and subtle vanilla and macadamia notes. On the generous palate, you have an defined minerality, balanced by the engagement of pip and stone fruits and the infused biscotti oak. This elegant Chardonnay presents a vibrant classic dry dismount.
• Chill gently & serve 8°- 10°C • 14% Alc. • Classic Dry Style • Cellar 4 - 5 years • *NZ$52
Rupert & Rothschild Cuvée ‘Classique’ 2019
Grape Varietals: 55% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot & 5% Cab-Franc
Growing Region: Western Cape - South Africa
Winemakers: André Roux & Kayla Oertle-Morse
The hand-picked grapes were picked over several weeks and on arrival at the winery were fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pumping over to extract all the softer characters ready for vinification and after malolactic fermentation was finished this wine matured for around 16 months in mix of aged French oak barrels.
★ This 2019 Classique presents aromas of red plums and mixed cherries, infused with notes of forest floor, tobacco leaf and a hint of mild dried herbs. On the appealing medium weight palate, you get to enjoy those fresh red fruits combined with soft-textural tannins and a casual confidence you expect from this part of the world, making for a versatile expression and a nicely balanced dry finish.
• No Decanting required & serve at 16°- 17°C • 13.5% Alc. • Classic Dry Style • Cellar 2 - 3 years • *NZ$40
Rupert & Rothschild ‘Baron Edmond’ 2019
Grape Varietals: 40% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cab-Franc, 5% Petit Verdot & 5% Malbec
Growing Region: Stellenbosch - South Africa
Winemakers: André Roux & Kayla Oertle-Morse
Created to honour one of the original founders, the Baron Edmond cuvée is composed of the classic five red varietals of Bordeaux crafting complexity and structure. The different fruit parcels were hand-harvested from Stellenbosch and fermented in wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks. Then matured for 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling.
★ On the classic nose you have inviting aromas of wild red and dark berries, cedarwood, forest floor notes, along with dried herbs and deft pencil shavings. The medium-to-full palate reveals a generosity, with detail and well-developed complex structure and good tannins that has allowed this wine to age gracefully. The confident core of ripe fruit flavours with liquorice and infused tobacco produces a distinguished sign-off.
• Mild Decanting & serve at 16°- 17°C • 14% Alc. • Classic Dry Style • Cellar 4 - 5 years • *NZ$77
*(Rupert & Rothschild Wine vintages, availability & pricing will vary by outlet & country)
*(Imported into New Zealand by EDR-H NZ)