The 2026 harvest at Rupert & Rothschild reflects a vintage of exceptional quality, shaped by a warm, dry season that demanded precise timing in the vineyards. Every decision was guided by balance—achieving optimal tannin maturity while preserving freshness and natural elegance. With a focused commitment to crafting only three wines, each captures a distinct sense of place. The Baroness Nadine Chardonnay, sourced from Stellenbosch and Elgin, shows a delicate complexity and fine tension in the 2026 vintage. The unique combination of these two sites, together with meticulous bunch selection during harvest, creates a Chardonnay with poise, complexity and intrigue. The Bordeaux blends tell a story of depth and precision: Classique, rooted primarily in Stellenbosch vineyards, reveals plush tannins, vibrant freshness, and beautifully expressive aromatics; while Baron Edmond, sourced exclusively from select Stellenbosch parcels, shows concentration, polished tannins, and a focused structure that promises graceful ageing. The 2026 Baroness Nadine Chardonnay is now resting in French oak barrels and foudres, where it will age on its lees. The Classique and Baron Edmond will soon follow into French oak barrels, where careful maturation will support the purity of fruit and further polish the tannins. Harvest 2026 was defined not only by the fruit, but by the people. The cellar pulsed with energy, team spirit, and a shared sense of purpose—an atmosphere as vital to the vintage as the vineyards themselves.