Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 1999

Alto is a farm with a rich history befitting its status as one of the icon estates of the Western Cape winelands. The first title deeds date back to 1693 but it was only in 1919 that the farm was given over entirely to vineyard.

Deep ruby colour with a slightly paler rim. A classic Cape Cabernet nose, evoking nostalgia for the older style encountered less and less these days: Spicy aromas with hints of prune and ripe cherries, together with tobacco leaf and tea-leaf distiness. The nose follows easily through onto the palate to continue the story: Lovely midweight fruit shows cherry sweetness balanced by dry tannins. A nice taut wine with a good acid lift. Excellent concentration shows in the long finish. The perfect wine to serve with a good steak (a porterhouse or a well-hung rump steak, for instance) or with a Chateaubriand, fine roast lamb, hearty stews and an oxtail casserole. Delightful on its own. Serve at 18ºC.