Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond 2013
From the cellar. Delving into the wine racks back at home, fancied something not too austere and a friendlier by the glass wine but with a bit of age. From the New World section found this dusty little number from the Baron Edmond Rothschild South African campaign.
It’s a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend - proper French influence partnering with Anthonij Rupert in the Western Cape. Definitely not a heavy blockbuster wine with alcohol of just 13.5% which is very much on the lower side of SA reds, but is a wine made for ageing.
On first extraction of the cork and pour into the glass there is an immediate whiff of earthiness but this quickly gives way to wonderful rich cherry and blackcurrant aromas. Very much still smells alive and kicking, far more youthful on the nose than I was expecting from the 2013 vintage, now at a substantial 12 years old.
The colour is deep ruby and still has beautiful clarity but now with a definite lighter rim and less vibrant than newer models. The palate is incredibly smooth, just a hint of acidity coupled with silky tannins making this perfectly balanced. Redcurrant and sweet blackberry are the initial hit moving on to a wonderfully creamy finish.
For me this wine is the epitome of what old and new philosophies can produce when they merge. Unlike its Bordeaux big brothers, this is a wine that as it develops the complexity within it becomes an easier marriage, effortlessly drinkable even on its own. As the youthful vibrancy and tannins have become more subdued they have been replaced with gentle supple fruits and a pleasing depth without moving towards a dryness which Bordeaux tend towards. If we also take into account the vulgar subject of price, this wine’s equivalent across the channel would surely have easily a £100-£200 price tag and lets be honest there are plenty with an even heftier asking price!
Overall a beautiful wine with almost certainly another decade left, only time will tell though if this decade and a bit will have been its peak, however, i have thoroughly enjoyed tasting at this point and look forward to finding out if I have jumped the gun!
MD 97/100
