It was a Rothschild 83...

[asciwhite]

Hi There, a few years ago I was given a Rothschild 83 wine, red and tasting of blackcurrant and vanilla, it was utterly beautiful but I do not know the actual grape. Any ideas of what this wine may have been? ...tis a long shot I know....

[dzug]

There could be more than one wine fitting this description, but:

70% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet franc, 2% petit Verdot

is for Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac

US$377 a bottle currently for 1983 vintage. Lucky you.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild also exists - equally select I think.

[asciwhite]

Then I shall just simply remember the beauty of the taste until the next bottle comes my way......

[Pinotage]

The Rosthschild name appears on many wines, from cheap and cheerful wines from many areas and different grapes varieties to two of the worlds top wines which are Cabernet Sauvignon based.

If you were recently given one of these from the 83 vintage the value is at least a hundred pounds

Blackcurrant indicates Cabernet Sauvignon, vanilla indicates oak aging.

If you are west of London, near Aylesbury, visit Waddesdon Manor, (http://www.waddesdon.org.uk/ a National Trust Chateau built by the Rothschilds) they have the full range of wines.

[asciwhite]

Pinotage, thank you for the tip! and, dzug has given me the grape % and as 'they' state, I am a very lucky girl to be given these bottles occasionally from a rather charming gentleman and we drink these with the lovliest of company. Do you have any tips on any wines with chocolate notes? another of my weaknesses!!!