Rupert & Rothschild Classique

Wine Club Selection - September 2021

Seeing the name "Rothschild" on a wine bottle commands a sense of quality, but with that prestige usually comes a hefty price tag. Thankfully, you don't have to spend $1200 on a 1st Growth Lafite or Mouton to drink all their good wines. The same family has a branch in South Africa, where they've teamed up with the Rupert family to produce terroir-driven wines in classic French styles.

The Rupert & Rothschild 'Classique' Red Blend drinks like a gravelly Right-Bank Bordeaux, blending 50% Merlot with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. It showcases aromas of red currant, cigar box, chocolate, and anise that lead into ripe plum, cherry, raspberry, and vanilla on the palate. Herbal, savory tobacco and cedar tones further frame the wine, which starts spicy and smooths out with time. Aged 16 months in French oak, it has a long finish with medium tannins.