Rupert Wines Franschhoek is part of the South America & Africa Points Heist Trip Report.
It is unusual that I am devoting an entire post to one vineyard, but then again, it is unusual to encounter a vineyard which has the best bubbles, Blanc de Blancs (see The Best Bubbly Comes From Franschhoek, Not France), and the best red blend, not to mention the best car museum (see Holy Beep!).
The red blend I speak of is appropriately called Anthonij Rupert Blend. Here is the description from Rupert Wines’s website: Complex melange of cassis, spice, tobacco leaf and fruitcake with a whiff of violets adding a lift. The palate replicates what the nose offers up with superb harmony of fruit and oak. Ample ripe black fruit, Christmas pudding, spice and cigarbox – all beautifully underpinned by refined oaking. This wine is like a ballroom dancer, gliding around in white tie and tails! Lithe, supple, elegant and effortlessly silky smooth and regal. The aftertaste lingers long after the mouthfeel has been enjoyed.
TPOL fancies himself a proficient dancer, especially after a few bottles of vino. But ballroom dancer? That’s a high bar to clear. To find out how silky, smooth, and regal Rupert’s Blend was, visitors of the vineyard have to purchase the bottle as it is not available for tasting. $80 later, I was on my way to dinner at Le Bon Vivant with the star of the show in my grasp. While the review of that restaurant details the fantastic cuisine, I have to include the proud photos of myself and Rupert here. My only regret is not buying a few bottles for home since it is next to impossible to find online without paying double the price.
