It's nearly a full-time job keeping track of the many branches of
the world's most famous wine family, the Rothschilds, and their
various vinous endeavors. While Philippine de Rothschild, of
Mouton, was creating projects such as
Chile's Almaviva [see January
15 "3 Bottles" on our Web site], the Switzerland-based branch of
the family, headed by her cousin, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, was
busy with a globe-spanning deal of its own. In 1997, Baron Edmond
joined forces with South African tycoon Anton Rupert to create
Rupert & Rothschild. Their two sons, Benjamin de Rothschild
(now reported to be the richest member of the clan) and Anthonij
Rupert, are currently heading up the R&R project.
Sadly, Baron Edmond passed away shortly after the initial deal was
concluded, but his memory lives on in the Rupert & Rothschild
Baron Edmond, a velvety Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet and Merlot
that is smooth and spicy with rich herbs and dense plum fruit. Lots
of forward fruit and a pronounced layer of new oak give this one a
truly international allure.
NEIL ELLIS 2000 SAUVIGNON BLANC ($15)
Neil Ellis started his career with the large South African wine
cooperative KWV, but he went solo in 1989, leasing cellar space in
Stellenbosch. When he entered a partnership with Hans Peter
Schroder, the company, now known as Neil Ellis Wines, relocated to
Schroder's poetically and appropriately named estate Oude Nektar
(old nectar), in the Jonkershoek Valley.
In négociant fashion, the grapes for the Neil Ellis wines are
sourced from growers in various regions of the Cape. Groenekloof,
where this Sauvignon Blanc is grown, lies only five miles from the
cooling influence of the southern Atlantic. The deep, decomposed
granite soils make a distinctively complex Sauvignon Blanc, lush
yet spicy, with juicy, tangy fruit and a long, floral finish.
FLEUR DU CAP 1997 PINOTAGE ($12)