Optima is a red produced by Rupert & Rothschild in Simonsberg-Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 1 vintage; members see when it is ready. Track this wine and manage your cellar with Cellarion — the free, open-source wine app at cellarion.app.
Type: Red
Appellation: Simonsberg-Paarl
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Tasting profile
Structure: full-bodied, high tannin, medium acidity, dry
A Bordeaux-variety blend from Simonsberg-Paarl in the Western Cape — Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, on the decomposed granite slopes of the Simonsberg mountain. Blackcurrant and dark plum with cedar, cocoa and the savoury, faintly smoky earthiness that distinguishes Cape reds from their New World counterparts. Full-bodied with firm fine tannin and a dry, structured finish. More restrained than Australian or Californian equivalents, and built to reward a decade.
When to drink
Cellarion's sommeliers have reviewed the drink window of 1 vintage of Optima. Sign up free to see when it is ready.
Where it comes from
Western Cape, South Africa
Western Cape is the broad South African province that contains almost all of the country's vineyards, sweeping inland and along the coast from Cape Town.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape born in Bordeaux from a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and it has become the most planted premium red variety on the planet, the backbone of countless…
Merlot
Merlot is a red grape from Bordeaux, one of the world's most planted varieties, valued for its softness, generosity and its role as a blending partner to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red grape grown in both Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, and is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a red grape from Bordeaux, traditionally a minor blending component that adds colour, tannin and aromatic lift to Cabernet-based wines.
More wines
More red wines from Western Cape
- The Mentors Canvas — KWV, Western Cape
- Roodeberg — KWV, Western Cape
- Naissance Cabernet Sauvignon — De Wetshof, Robertson
- Pinotage Cabernet Sauvignon — Flower Valley, Western Cape
Frequently asked questions
Where is Optima from?
Optima is produced by Rupert & Rothschild in Simonsberg-Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.
What grapes are in Optima?
Optima is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.