Alto Estate

Superior Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon

8.98 ratings
9.31 pro ratings
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Our last night in Mala Mala and Rattray’s. We loved everything about Mala Mala, Rattray accommodations, staff (especially, Reggie our Game Guide and Trevor who manages the restaurant & Bar), the 33,000 acres of wild bush and the all-stars, the wild life.

The 2014 Alto Cabernet is lush, silky and beautiful. So easy to drink, yet complex. The body full and the tannins round, soft and velvety. The fruits; ripe, dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, plum skin, dark cherries and strawberries comes on as it opens up after an hour in the decanter. Baking spices; clove, very light cinnamons, some vanilla, dark spice, medium intensity granitic minerals, beautiful spices, dark, rich soils, herbaceous notes, eucalyptus/mint, dry soils with dark fresh and withering florals. The acidity is round and beautiful. The structure, tension, length and balance are knitting together nicely. The finish is; ripe, lush, well balanced, polished and lingers for minutes. Another great QPR wine.

Photos of; our late Mala Mala sunset, the 80 herd Buffalo we met at twilight, male Lion and Lionesses in their 3 day mating ritual and our hillside coffee break watching the 40 Elephant herd we visited earlier.

Our last night in Mala Mala and Rattray’s. We loved everything about Mala Mala, Rattray accommodations, staff (especially, Reggie our Game Guide and Trevor who manages the restaurant & Bar), the 33,000 acres of wild bush and the all-stars, the wild life.

The 2014 Alto Cabernet is lush, silky and beautiful. So easy to drink, yet complex. The body full and the tannins round, soft and velvety. The fruits; ripe, dark currants, blackberries, black raspberries, plum skin, dark cherries and strawberries comes on as it opens up after an hour in the decanter. Baking spices; clove, very light cinnamons, some vanilla, dark spice, medium intensity granitic minerals, beautiful spices, dark, rich soils, herbaceous notes, eucalyptus/mint, dry soils with dark fresh and withering florals. The acidity is round and beautiful. The structure, tension, length and balance are knitting together nicely. The finish is; ripe, lush, well balanced, polished and lingers for minutes. Another great QPR wine.

Photos of; our late Mala Mala sunset, the 80 herd Buffalo we met at twilight, male Lion and Lionesses in their 3 day mating ritual and our hillside coffee break watching the 40 Elephant herd we visited earlier.

May 1st, 2019
Beatrix

Beautiful estate wine, full bodied, balanced tannins, cherry and plum bouquet

Beautiful estate wine, full bodied, balanced tannins, cherry and plum bouquet

Feb 2nd, 2018
Raphael Malago

To be able tontaste aged SA wine is impressive. It has been 2+ years I've been drinking then and in most of the ocasions they give bdx a lesson. This btl of Alto Cab was sublime, thertiary rich aromas and an amazing freshness and structure in the palate

To be able tontaste aged SA wine is impressive. It has been 2+ years I've been drinking then and in most of the ocasions they give bdx a lesson. This btl of Alto Cab was sublime, thertiary rich aromas and an amazing freshness and structure in the palate

Aug 25th, 2015
Trevor Thangalan

Trevor had this 6 years ago

Trevor had this 6 years ago

Jan 24th, 2019
Johan Jepson

Johan had this 11 years ago

Johan had this 11 years ago

Jan 21st, 2014
Eduardo Kambundo

Eduardo had this 11 years ago

Eduardo had this 11 years ago

Dec 19th, 2013
Rohan Mahadevan

Rohan had this 12 years ago

Rohan had this 12 years ago

Mar 3rd, 2013