Alto Fine Old Vintage 2006

Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Location: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch

Winemaker: Schalk van der Westhuizen

Background: Celebrating 90 years of winemaking at Alto Wine Estate this year called for a vertical tasting of older vintages at their cosy tasting room on the estate. After tasting through the red blends, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignons, we ended off with their 2006 Fine Old vintage Port-style wine made by Alto winemaker, Schalk van der Westhuizen. The first vintage was in 1997, the 2006 is the second.

Usually Port-styled wines are blends of traditional Portuguese varietals such as Touriga National, Tinta Barocca and Tinta Rouriz. In Alto’s case, however, both the 1997 and the 2006 are produced entirely from Shiraz.

“At first I was quite daunted by the challenge of tackling a Port as it’s a wine style I’d never tried but I enjoyed the challenge of expressing the hallmark spiciness of Alto’s Shiraz in what was for me a totally new way.  I like to think we have got it right!” commented van der Westhuizen.

Result: The Alto Fine Old Vintage 2006 has a bright ruby colour, with vibrant aromas of wild honey and dark prunes which follow so wonderfully onto the palate with added flavours of spicy dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee with a long creamy velvety finish.

When to drink: Now until 2025

Drink with what: Enjoy with local estate cheeses along with fig preserve, olives and lime chutney!

Expect to pay: R308.00

To order this wine, email Wine Concepts