Alto Rouge 1973

Stand-out wines for me at the Old SA Wine Tasting to the mark the start of judging for the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show included Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2000, Stellenbosch Famers’ Wineries Area Wine Worcester Muscat d’Alexandrie 1973, Alto Rouge 1973, Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 1975 and Zonnebloem Cabernet Sauvignon 1969.

Proudly South African.

All very fine but perhaps the most thought-provoking was the Alto Rouge 1973. What would the blend have been? Not much to go on but it appears that it might have been three parts Cinsaut to one each of Cab and Shiraz (see here).

Red and black fruit, herbs and spice on the nose. Light bodied yet pure and fresh with fine tannins. Layers of flavour and great length. Couldn’t help think of what the Mullineuxs are trying to achieve with their Leeu Passant Dry Red Wine.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.