Colour: Deep, rich red

Bouquet: Graphite, cassis and hints of fynbos

Taste: Deep flavours of mulberry, plum and blackcurrant with luxurious, silky tannins. The palate shows a beautiful balance between fruit

and cedar notes making it elegant with a layered complexity.

2024

• Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters - Master Medal
• Wine advocate - 93 points
• Tim Atkin - 92 points

2023

• 93 points - Wine Advocate
• James Suckling – 93 points & Top 100 wine of SA

2022

• James Suckling – 94 points & Top 100 wine of SA

2021

• Platters 4 ½ stars

2019

• Winemag rating – 90 points
• Tim Atkins SA report – 95 points

A wine with an unforgettable presence. Excellent enjoyed on its own or served with dishes such as sautéed pork chops served with fennel or a wild mushroom ragù served with pappardelle pasta and parmigiano cheese.

Alcohol: 14.5%

Residual sugar: 3.1g/l

Total acidity: 6.4 g/l

pH: 3.58

Extract: 33,4 g/l

Alto, situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch district, dates back to 1693 when it was part of a much larger farm called Groenrivier (Green River), granted to a free burgher by Governor Simon van der Stel. In 1919 the owner of the farm, Hennie Malan, sold off half the land to his brother-in-law and set about planting vines on his remaining portion, focusing exclusively on red varieties. He named the farm Alto, a reference to its altitude (some slopes rise as high as 500m above sea level) and his striving for excellence. The cellar was built in 1920. Alto has 93 hectares under vines. The trellised vineyards cling to the high granite slopes, ideal for the cultivation of red wine varieties. Harvesting at Alto traditionally only starts at the end of February / beginning March due to the cooling influence of the southerly breezes during this time. This ensures gradual ripening of the grapes and contributes to the development of delicate flavour in the fruit. Just eight barrels (2400 litres) have been made of the maiden 2011 vintage of the 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The name MPHS reflects the initials of the four winemakers who have built the reputation of the farm. They are Manie Malan, whose father planted only red cultivars on Alto as early as the 1920s; Piet du Toit, who acquired the farm in 1959; his son, Hempies, the renowned Springbok rugby player, who took over in 1983; and Schalk himself, who joined Alto in 2000.