Ruby colour with a slightly paler rim. Inviting crushed berry fruit with mulberry, the signature note, backed by cinnamon and cloves of good, small oak. The palate is in complete harmony: The warm fruit, fleshy and ripe, has juicy, mouthwatering berry flavours. Beautifully balanced, so it appears deceptively easy to drink, until the tannins come back on the finish with an attractively dry closure. A wine with elegant claret intensity.
Schalk van der Westhuizen, the new winemaker at Alto, recommends partnering the 1999 vintage with simply cooked, top quality red meat: fillet with a few wild mushrooms on the side, and kudu or springbuck steak with crushed pink peppercorns. It is also delightful with grilled lamb chops and informal dishes like hamburger patties and beef sausages. Serve at 16–18ºC.