James Suckling: 90 Points “Plummy and very fruity on the nose, showing chocolate and smoke. Full-bodied with soft tannins and a fruit-forward finish.”

Since its founding in 1989, Mulderbosch Vineyards has been widely viewed as one of South Africa’s foremost wineries. This Bordeaux-inspired blend of 32% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec was aged 18 months in French oak (30% new). One of the first 5 varietal Bordeaux-style blends in the Cape! Aromas of mulberries and blueberries are framed by vanilla spice and earthy notes. It has good weight and richness with layers of flavor. 

Winemaker Notes: The 2015 vintage needs no introduction having been widely hailed as one of the best in living memory. The wine has a deep, brooding color with a dark core and a deep mahogany rim. The first nose greets with ripe brambles, touches of cassis and subtle oak-spice. It is generous and inviting, but there’s also a subtle nod to classic restraint in aromas of leafy tobacco and freshly turned earth. With each sip, richly textured flavors of Christmas pudding and ripe plums course the palate. Offset by sweetly infused Jamon-Iberico notes this is a layered and complex wine, unveiling successive waves of flavor as it evolves.

Robust enough to be enjoyed on its own, or as an accompaniment to a fine cigar, the 2015 Faithful Hound will reward pairing with venison dishes and rustic fare.