2022 Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond

Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons in Franschhoek

Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons is a prestigious winery founded in 1997 as a partnership between South African entrepreneur Dr. Anton Rupert and Baron Edmond de Rothschild of France. The winery is located on the historic Fredericksburg Estate in Franschhoek, a region known for its cool, mountainous location and long wine traditions. The collaboration brought together French precision with the unique terroir expression of the Cape. The estate focuses on a small selection of wines, including Baroness Nadine Chardonnay, Classique, and the top cuvée Baron Edmond. This focus on a limited range ensures maximum attention to each wine and a consistent quality standard that is appreciated worldwide by both enthusiasts and sommeliers.

The terroir of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch

For the Baron Edmond 2022, the fruit comes from Simonsberg Stellenbosch, an area internationally regarded as one of the best locations for Bordeaux grapes. The vineyards range in age from ten to thirty years and are situated on well-drained slopes with a combination of clay and weathered granite. The proximity to the ocean brings cooling winds that allow the grapes to ripen slowly. The 2022 season featured cool conditions and a stable growth pattern. This led to optimal phenolic ripeness while retaining vibrant acidity. The long hang time ensured concentrated fruit without overripeness. The winery emphasizes that the vintage is exceptionally balanced and aromatic.

Grape varieties for the Baron Edmond 2022

The Baron Edmond 2022 is composed of 44 percent Merlot, 26 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 percent Cabernet Franc, and 6 percent Petit Verdot. The Merlot forms the heart of the blend. The thirty-year-old bush vines yield small bunches with high concentration. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc bring structure, tension, and aromatic depth. Petit Verdot adds color intensity and floral nuances. This combination aligns with the classic Bordeaux style for which this winery is known. The goal is a wine that combines power and precision with a ripe yet fresh expression of the South African terroir.

Harvest, vinification and aging of the 2022

2022 was a year with cooler temperatures before the harvest, which led to an even and slightly later picking. Only the best grapes were selected. Vinification took place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine subsequently aged for eighteen months in 225-liter French oak barrels. More than half of these barrels were new. This ensures subtle aromas of vanilla, spices, and cedar without overpowering the fruit structure. With an alcohol content of fourteen percent and an acidity of 6.1 grams per liter, the wine is powerful yet balanced. The pH of 3.53 contributes to the freshness and aging potential.

Color, aroma and taste of Baron Edmond 2022

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color. The aroma opens with notes of black cherry, cassis, and ripe blackberry. Additionally, notes of tobacco, spices, and a hint of licorice emerge, as described by the winery. The oak aging imparts accents of cedar and a light chocolate note that are beautifully interwoven with the fruit. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and layered. The structure is firm yet refined thanks to the ripe tannins. The long aging in oak provides a silky texture. The fresh acidity adds tension and a clear character. The finish is long and complex with dark fruit and subtle spices. Thanks to its balance, this wine has ample aging potential and can continue to develop over the coming years.

The style and significance of this top cuvée

Baron Edmond is the winery's most prestigious red wine. Limited production and a focus on quality make this cuvée popular among connoisseurs. The house usually sells this wine on allocation, placing it in the ranks of international Bordeaux blends that belong to the top of the Cape's premium wines. The combination of French craftsmanship and South African expression makes the wine appealing to both classic Bordeaux drinkers and lovers of modern, precise, and powerful red wines. The 2021 vintage is known for its freshness and refinement, offering a beautiful balance between ripe fruit and structure. This makes the wine ideal for gastronomic applications and for cellar aging potential.

Order Rupert & Rothschild wines online?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

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Wine and food pairings

Baron Edmond 2022 pairs excellently with grilled sirloin steak with rosemary. The full fruit and firm structure complement the juicy meat and savory herbs beautifully. A beef stew with red wine and carrot works well due to the ripe tannins that support the richness of the dish. Rack of lamb with thyme and garlic is a fine combination because the spiciness of the meat harmonizes with the dark fruit notes and spicy wood accents. Mushroom risotto with Parmesan pairs well with the earthy and creamy notes of the wine. A dish of duck breast with black cherry sauce complements the aromas of cherry and blackberry beautifully and emphasizes the length and depth of the wine.