Mulderbosch Faithful Hound

Cabernet Sauvignon 47%
Merlot 23%
Petit Verdot 13%
Cab franc 9%
Malbec 8%

Stellenbosch, South Africa

2007

Winemaker Notes

Deep, black cherry colour penetrating from hue to rim. A surfeit of blackcurrant/cassis, blueberry jam and plum fruit alongside souboise, graphite, vanilla pod, tobacco and cedar wood typical of a classical styled Cabernet-based blend. Full body showing a grainy texture with mid palate richness, fresh fruits as nose amalgamated with boysenberry, damson, fruitcake, coffee bean and dried herbs (clove, anise) that finish with a powdery tannin that will need a few more years to resolve and long length making one esurient for another glass.

In the Cellar

The grapes were handpicked and crushed into stainless steel fermenters where the must was cold soaked overnight and allowed to begin fermentation spontaneously. The mash was then inoculated with a variety of cultured yeasts. The wine fermented dry on the skins, was pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation before being blended and racked to barrel for maturation. A light fining and filtration was applied just before bottling.

Food Suggestions

Game birds, lamb potjie, steaks, meat stews, creamy pastas and gooey cheeses.

Aging Potential

Whilst drinking now, the fine grained tannins will resolve further over the next few years. Drink 2011 to 2019.

WineChump Notes

I had the big brother to this wine at Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge), and it was a keeper.  Faithful Hound gains from the blend: much the same as Chappellet’s Mountain Cuvee, but different proportions.  It’s obviously a different growing region as well, but South Africa has yielded some excellent vintages and great values.  The 2007 could gain from cellaring a bit longer before opening.  I found that decanting it made a big difference and softened it even more.  It’s got great nose with a bit of a green grass finish (which may tell you something about its need to cellar longer or decant).  The structure is there, and it’s going to be a great wine to open in 2014.  Buy two, and keep ’em around for a few years.  You’ll be glad you did.

Average Price: $22.99
Find it at Riverside Village Wine Shop