Red Wine of the Year 2024

February 28, 2024Andrea Palamarcukova

Optima

by Anthonij Rupert

«Wine is a celebration in itself»

– says Dawie Botha, Head Winemaker. «Anthonij Rupert has some of the best vineyards in the Cape Winelands. It is these sites and the attention to detail with which we cultivate them that give all our brands a special quality and value».

Anthonij Rupert Wyne is the wine project at the L'Ormarins estate on the eastern border of Franschhoek and is owned by Johann Rupert. The Rupert family has significantly shaped the modern South African wine scene, and this estate is the jewel in their crown.

Three questions for KapWeine CEO Andy Zimmermann

What is behind the "KapWeine Wine of the Year" award?

"Wine of the Year" is an exciting award that we present annually at KapWeine. It allows us to recognise outstanding wines and wineries and offer our customers first-class taste experiences at a unique preferential price. The "Wine of the Year" line award underlines the quality and excellence in our assortment.

Why this specific producer?

The producer Anthonij Rupert has made a name for himself since being included in our range over the last 5 years, especially with Optima. Thanks to the diverse wine lines, grape varieties, and price categories, there is something suitable for all wine lovers in the wide range. Be it the more Bordeaux-style wines from Anthonij Rupert, the sparkling wines from L'Ormarins, or the Swartland & Co. wines from Syrah, Chenin Blanc, but also Sauvignon Blanc from Cape of Good Hope. With every wine, the price-pleasure ratio is above average. That's precisely why now is the time for the "Wine of the Year" promotion.

Are there any secret criteria?

Of course, there are no truly "secret" criteria, unless I'm invited to a "lekker" braai, and the evening ends euphorically... then it might be...

Joking aside, we naturally value various factors when selecting the "Wine of the Year." These include not only the quality of the wines and taste characteristics but also the history and the people behind the wine. If you read the entire report, you will learn how forward-thinking the patron Johann Rupert is and how he actively and financially supports the Old Vine Project. A true visionary, that man!

Ultimately, the price point is also crucial for a "Wine of the Year" selection so that our customers can benefit from excellent wines at even better prices. The careful selection based on these criteria makes the award authentic, meaningful, and impactful for the winery, our customers, and also for us at KapWeine. Because most "Wine of the Year" wines have started a true triumphant march in our assortment and have been among the most popular wines for years, up to today, and are therefore found in our bestseller lists. So, a win-win-win situation. That's how we like it!

To achieve all this, the producer of the selected wine must, of course, be able to produce a certain quantity and offer us up to 10,000 bottles at a preferential price.

And the Winner is…

The Optima combines classic "Bordeaux-style" elements, such as structure and power, with elegance and spicy undertones, rounded off by fine fruit and oak barrel aromas. No wonder the blend forms a balanced, harmonious concert of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, with the composition varying depending on the vintage and the conditions of the vineyards. The proportions of the respective grape varieties always range between 20% and 50% over the years. Often, they each contribute almost a third to the success of the respective bottling. Occasionally, the blend is refined with a little Petite Verdot.

93 Points by Robert Parker
91 Points by Tim Atkin
94 Points / 4.5 Stars by Platter’s

Wine Description:
The scent of violets, blackberries, cherries, cocoa, spices, and fruitcake is immediately seductive. A single hint of classic Black Forest cherry cake. The mouthfeel is soft, round, velvety, and lovely with a dry finish featuring the same ripe and rich aromas. It is supple, structured, and elegant, offering focus, structure, and, after a few years, even a velvety appeal.

Red Wine of the Year 2024 >6 Btls.
ANTHONIJ RUPERT
Optima – 2020
CHF 18.90 instead of CHF 29.00

Record-low Harvest

The carefully selected grapes for Anthonij Rupert Optima come from the L'Ormarins estate in Franschhoek and the Rooderust Farm in Darling. Special sites, each with their unique soil and climate conditions, were identified for their ideal characteristics that form unique components of the final blend in Optima.

Many vines were still struggling to recover from the drought experienced in the Western Cape over the past three to four years, even with moderate to good rainfall. The harvest volume dropped to a record low. Despite reduced yields and some uneven ripening, this vintage was able to deliver good quality wines. Smaller berries contributed to maintaining a balanced acidity and sugar level, as well as a good distribution of aromas.

To ensure that only the best grapes are used, all components were sorted using an optical sorting system. After fermentation on the dry skins, the wine underwent a long post-fermentation maceration. This guarantees a good tannin structure and deep color extraction. French oak and stainless steel tanks were used for fermentation to enhance complexity. Malolactic fermentation was completed in the barrel, and the wine was then racked off the lees. Before the final blending, each component was aged separately for 20 months in 225-liter French oak barrels, with 30% of these barrels being first-fill.

Head Winemaker

Dawie Botha has been working in the red wine cellar at Anthonij Rupert Wyne since the winery's establishment in 2005 and was appointed Head Winemaker in 2012. His expertise extends across international borders, including making wines at Chateaux de Franc in Bordeaux in 2002 and at Fetzer Vineyards in California in 2004. The outstanding Anthonij Rupert red wines currently on the market, created by Dawie Botha, have all received 90 points or more in Wine Spectator Magazine.

Not to forget Mark van Buuren, responsible for white wines, and Vernon van der Hofen, co-responsible for red wines.

Food & Wine Pairing Tip from Dawie: Karoo lamb on the grill and a glass of Optima. Add a few good friends, and you have a magical combination.
We recommend Optima as an excellent companion to a variety of hearty meat dishes.

Anthonij Rupert Winery

Nestled in the picturesque setting of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains, Anthonij Rupert Wyne has significantly influenced the development of the Cape Winelands. This is largely thanks to Anton Rupert, founder of an empire consisting of distilleries, breweries, and wineries on one side, and a portfolio of luxury brands on the other.

When Dr. Anton Rupert acquired L'Ormarins from Pieter Gabriel Marais and Willem Pieter Morkel in 1968, L'Ormarins had already produced South Africa's first champion brandy and white wine.

After Anthonij took over L'Ormarins from his father in 1984, he restored the 1811-built manor house and the historic wine cellar (dating from 1799), both of which were declared national monuments. In 1989, L'Ormarins won all major local wine competitions. In 2001, Anthonij Rupert tragically passed away.

In 2003, Johann Rupert took over the L'Ormarins estate. In 2005, he built the Anthonij Rupert cellar. A state-of-the-art, gravity-fed cellar with a revolving ceiling and underground barrel cellar, completed in memory of his brother. In the same year, he hired internationally renowned oenologist Michel Rolland as a consultant to the Anthonij Rupert team, which led to the release of the first vintage of Anthonij Rupert wines in 2009. Since the first 2005 vintage, vinified in this cellar, all wines in the range, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and «The Blend», have consistently received 90 points and more in every Wine Spectator review.

Anthonij Rupert Wyne – Collectible Cape Red wines

The flagship range from Anthonij Rupert Wyne embodies the essence of the highest quality. Through the careful selection of the best grapes from optimal terroirs and the application of state-of-the-art winemaking techniques, an unparalleled standard is achieved. Each wine in the flagship range, which includes Optima, is the result of precise processing and reflects the artistry and pursuit of excellence. These wines are not only a pleasure but also a symbol of outstanding taste and sophistication, taking discerning wine lovers on an unforgettable sensory journey.

WOY Promotion >6 Btls.
ANTHONIJ RUPERT
Merlot – 2018
CHF 34.90 instead of CHF 49.00

WOY Promotion >6 Btls.
ANTHONIJ RUPERT
Cabernet Sauvignon – 2019
CHF 44.90 instead of CHF 65.00

WOY Promotion >6 Btls.
ANTHONIJ RUPERT
Red – 2016
CHF 74.90 instead of CHF 109.00

Cape Of Good Hope – Terroir Specific Wines

Launched in 2011, the Cape of Good Hope project tells the story of the land, culture, and past through winemaking from some of the oldest vineyards in the Western Cape.

Here again, the foresight and commitment of the patron Johann Rupert are evident. More than 15 years ago, he engaged the now world-renowned vine expert Rosa Kruger as a consultant for his Rupert wines. During this collaboration, he learned a lot about the then-nascent Old Vine Project, in which Rosa saved old vineyards, mainly in the Swartland, Ceres, etc., from uprooting. She achieved this primarily by connecting young, wild winemakers (such as Eben Sadie, Duncan Savage, Donovan Rall, and others) with vineyard owners as grape buyers.

This led to Johann Rupert buying approximately 300 hectares of old vineyards that Rosa Kruger had discovered. The Cape of Good Hope wine project was born. But that's not all: Rupert has since significantly financed the Old Vine Project and thus laid the foundation for saving many hundreds of hectares of old vines. Future generations of winemakers and wine drinkers will be grateful to him and Rosa Kruger for their work and commitment – hats off to Rosa Kruger and Johann Rupert!

WOY Promotion >6 Btls.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
Sauvignon Blanc Altima – 2023
CHF 13.90 instead of 19.90

WOY Promotion >6 Btls.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
Chenin Blanc Riebeeksrivier – 2022
CHF 13.90 instead of 19.90

WOY Promotion >6 Btls.
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
Syrah Riebeeksrivier – 2018
CHF 14.90 instead of 22.00

The Cape of Good Hope wines are a powerful tribute to the rich winemaking heritage of the region. Through the careful selection of grapes from old vines and unique sites up to 900m above sea level, an impressive connection to terroir, climate, soil, and grape variety is created. Each drop reflects not only the authentic beauty of the region but also the craftsmanship and dedication of the winemakers who honour the legacy of the Cape's wine tradition. The Cape of Good Hope proudly presents a range of wines that not only delight the palate but also celebrate the history and uniqueness of wine production in the Western Cape.

L’Ormarins – Cap Classique

The L'Ormarins range masterfully reflects the art of sparkling wine production. Here, not only high-quality sparkling wines are created, but a unique collection of exquisite pearls that embody the tradition of Méthode Cap Classique at the highest level. L'Ormarins stands for excellent sparkling wines that present a wide spectrum of exciting expressions in the world of fine beverages through creative evolution and craftsmanship. The generous price-to-enjoyment ratio at L'Ormarins makes the experience of this outstanding bubbly all the more impressive.