Vintage after vintage, the Alto wines reveal a praiseworthy continuity of character. The 1998 can be immediately identified as the famous Alto blend. Bright brick-red with a carmine rim. Aniseed, vanilla and fennel on the nose, with some warm, riper plum notes. The oak is very much in the background. Red fruit flavours - cherries and fresh plums - continue on the palate, supported by soft tannins. Medium-bodied, with an extremely nice touch of bottle maturity. Lovely, warm and sweet-tempered fruit. Drink with baby beef, beef olives, casseroled beef with potatoes and carrots, roast duck, chicken dishes, creamy sauce pastas, and firm-fleshed fish. The Alto Estate is always the ideal aperitif. Enjoy, very slightly chilled, on its own.