“The Rupert and Rothschild Chardonnay is a wine of great elegance, combining the richness of Chardonnay with a lovely acidity, for a harmonious and balanced result.” – Wine Spectator
The Rupert & Rothschild Baroness Nadine Vintage is indeed a white wine produced from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Western Cape wine region of South Africa. It’s a very elegant white, and that rolled presentation sheet makes for a striking piece of theatre when you open the case.
It’s aged in French oak barrels for around 10 months, which gives it a unique texture and a long, persistent finish.
That robe of a mineral yellow, yet lightly brilliant as if to announce its noble origins, is itself very elegant. This robe has had every attention lavished on it — that much is obvious.
The nose is discreet, balanced. For my part I pick out a touch of hazelnut and walnut in a second wave.
It’s ample through its length, to which a touch of acidity is added — but the spices discreetly dominate the race and bring the whole thing nicely into balance.
Characteristic final aromas appear in a subtle blend of vanilla and wood. The oak barrels certainly have something to do with it.
Personally I love this wine as an aperitif, lightly chilled, but of course it can also accompany seafood in all its forms, or a fine poultry dish.
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