Description
James Suckling Review
Rated 92
Attractive nose of dark cherries, dark plums, dried herbs, cedar and baking spices follow through to a medium body with firm tannins. Compact with a rigid core of creamy dark berries and a powdery finish with some length. Drink or hold.
Alto Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Classic. Powerful. A benchmark South African Cabernet from one of Stellenbosch’s most historic estates.
Alto has been crafting world-class Cabernet for more than a century, and the 2019 vintage continues that legacy with depth, structure, and unmistakable Stellenbosch character. Grown on north-facing granite slopes and cooled by maritime breezes, this Cabernet delivers richness, purity, and age-worthy balance.
Key Details
- Producer: Alto Estate
- Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Style: Full-bodied, structured, elegant
- Aging: 18 months in French oak for added depth and spice
- ABV: 14.5%
Tasting Notes
- Blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum
- Notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and graphite
- Hints of cocoa, vanilla, and warm spice from oak
- Firm, polished tannins with excellent structure and length
Profile Summary:
Nose: Cassis, dark berries, cedar, subtle spice.
Palate: Concentrated black fruit, tobacco, cocoa, refined tannins.
Finish: Long, structured, and beautifully balanced.
Why You’ll Love It
- A flagship Stellenbosch Cabernet from a historic estate
- Combines Old-World structure with New-World richness
- Age-worthy yet approachable with decanting
- Exceptional value compared to Napa and Bordeaux peers
Food Pairing
- Grilled ribeye or lamb chops
- Beef stew, oxtail, or braised short ribs
- Mushroom dishes or roasted root vegetables
- Aged cheddar, gouda, or firm alpine cheeses
Reviews
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