Rupert & Rothschild Baroness Nadine Chardonnay 2023

Launched in 1997 by South African businessman Anton Rupert and French banker Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Rupert & Rothschild was conceived with a deliberately tight portfolio – just three wines – so that focus could drive excellence. The red blend, Classique, has become one of South Africa’s modern-era success stories: significant volume at a meaningful price. The other two, more premium wines, namely Baroness Nadine Chardonnay and the grander red blend Baron Edmond, meanwhile, continue to deliver consistently at a high level.

The Baroness Nadine 2023, for instance, combines concentration with freshness. Made from grapes sourced in Elgin and Stellenbosch, it was matured for 11 months – 84% in 300-litre barrels (33% first fill) and 16% in foudre. The nose shows citrus, peach, wet wool, and a bread-like note, while the palate combines dense fruit with a brisk line of acidity, finishing savoury and full of flavour. Price: R362 a bottle.

CE rating: 93/100.

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