The Rothschild empire couldn’t resist the call of African soil — and I understand them.
It’s very surprising to see Listrac and South Africa on the same label; it’s a little disconcerting.
Label aside, you’ll have gathered that I enjoyed this wine — though make no mistake, there’s little of Listrac in this bottle.
A little history:
The Rupert & Rothschild vineyard was created in 1997 by two renowned families, the Ruperts of South Africa and the Rothschilds of France.
The Rupert & Rothschild vineyard covers 100 hectares of vines. The varieties grown are mainly Bordeaux ones, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
The estate is equipped with a modern cellar, where the grapes are vinified and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling.
Since its creation, the Rupert & Rothschild Classique has become one of the estate’s most famous wines, as well as a symbol of winemaking excellence in South Africa.
On to the tasting:
The nose is discreet and the robe fairly pronounced. On the palate it’s pleasant and, just as the nose had signalled, it’s light with barely pronounced tannins. It’s only after it has passed that this wine reminds you of its origins, leaving a stronger scent in the mouth. But you’ll have to be quick, because it slips away fast.
This 2018 will have to stay in the cellar a little longer, unfortunately, because its youth made itself known.
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