Provenance

Engen Private Collection

Critics Ratings

Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 1978
'From a good vintage, the 78 is holding up well. It is light and traditional, with delicate red fruit, a relatively lush palate and hints of smoke and coffee. The frame is somewhat lean but holds ripe fruit and gentle finish. It will stay at this plateau for at least a decade.' - Roland Peens 92/100, (July 2025)

Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon 1978
Fine colour for the age. Beautifully alluring, engaging and complex nose. Rhubarb, bright red fruit and deep savoury spice. It's a little wild at first, becoming very composed in the glass as layers of herbs, 'saveur savoureuse' and red berries are revealed with time. The palate is fine and textured with a long finish. Seriously good and strong for another decade or two.' - Roland Peens 97/100, (July 2025)

'Dense and rich and vibrant. Sweet and still alive. Really clean and fresh. Swallowable! Just lovely. Margaux-ish. Transparent. Loved it till I tasted the SFW 1966 which is so much denser! Very different! (JR)' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (May 2023)

'The absolute stand-out for me and many others present was the Cabernet Sauvignon 1978 from Nederburg. On the nose, a pleasant herbal top note before red fruit and pencil shavings. The palate showed lovely richness and texture with layers of flavour. Still very much intact.' - Christian Eedes 93/100, (May 2017)