Peter Veldsman & Dirkie Christowitz Private Collection
Live Virtual Auction, 15 May 2022
Session 1
About this Item
The Iconic Helderberg property has title deeds back to 1693. Hennie and son Manie Malan recognized the property’s unique terroir for crafting full-bodied red wines early on, but it was Piet du Toit in 1959 that put Alto on top. Heritage and tradition married with evolution and innovation are the hallmarks of this estate situated in the golden triangle of Stellenbosch. Only five winemakers have crafted wines at Alto over eight decades.
This impressive Cabernet Sauvignon blends ‘Old World’ elegance with the full-bodied, fruit-driven character typical of wines from an area known as the golden Triangle. Named for its superior terroir, the Golden Triangle lies at the heart of Stellenbosch’s reputation for producing South Africa’s defining Cabernet Sauvignons. Classic Alto elegance, in perfect drinking condition out of the large formats.
This lot consists of the following wines:
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 1989 (4 x 750ml)
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 (2 x 750ml)
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 (2 x 750ml)
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (1 x 750ml)
Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (3 x 750ml)
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
1989 - ‘Always unblended Cabernet, from low-crop, unirrigated mountain vines. Not released before 6 years’ maturation. 1989 big forceful bouquet, ripe plums/liquorice. Succulent but still chewy. Deep tannin, long finish. Great potential.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 1997, Superior Cape Wine
1995 - ‘Opulent cassis, posy of violets and aromatic liquorice in ‘95; massive, mouth-expanding concentration in palate, almost like fruit essence, slathered with mocha, plum pudding and fragrant herbs. Ripe tannin, tangy almond afterthoughts in long tapering finish. “Yes, you can drink it now,” our taster remarks “but don’t: wait 4-5 years, and up to 10 years thereafter, for extra pleasure."’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2000, 4.5*
1996 - ‘Ageworthy, top rated Cabernet, classically structured, needing time to reach peak. 1996 reflects troublesome vintage with vegetal nose, lighter body (12.5% alc), but well balanced.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2001, 3.5*
1998 - ‘Ageworthy Cabernet, classically structured, needing time to reach peak. Never more so than 1998, whose refined, fragrant charms should be resisted at least 5 years, preferably 10. Fabulous cedar-and-violets perfume, inky depths of cassis, melting tannins. Recalls opulence of ‘95 (4.5*) with mouth-expanding concentration.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2002, 4.5*
2001 - ‘Very much a vin de garde and well worth the wait, that slow-maturing character epitomised by 2001, on par with outstanding ‘98 and ‘95. Youthful red fruits on nose; forthcoming, juicy flavours, amply concentrated and structured for the long haul.' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2005, 4.5*
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