Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: 45% Cabernet Franc, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Mulberbosch
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

The story is sad, but the taste is good

Description: Dark ruby to purple in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, blackcurrants, plums, anise, tobacco leaves, spinach, arugula, espresso, fig, cocoa, bell pepper and leather. Full body with medium+ tannings, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: “THE STORY OF THE FAITHFUL HOUND: Soon after Dr. Larry Jacobs and winemaker Mike Dobrovic founded Mulderbosch in 1989, they discovered an abandoned dog living on the farm. Because of the creature’s scraggly, unkempt appearance, they called him “Boes,” which means “bushy” in Afrikaans.

Boes spent most of his time perched beneath a large oak tree, gazing off into the distance. Often he would wander about the farm during the day, observing the vineyard activity. But he dutifully returned to his lookout point each evening, where he patiently awaited his beloved master’s return. Night after night, through all kinds of weather, he never failed to keep his vigil. So it was that he earned himself the nickname “Faithful Hound.”

Eventually it was revealed that his owner, a farmhand on the property before the Mulderbosch days, had been killed in a car accident. After three years of devotedly watching and waiting for his best friend, the Faithful Hound passed away beneath the old oak tree, just beside the cottage where he and his master had lived.

Shortly thereafter, Mike Dobrovic decided to create a Bordeaux blend as a tribute to Boes; the maiden 1994 vintage of Mulderbosch Faithful Hound was released in 1995. The dog is buried beneath the oak tree, near the very spot where he dutifully kept his vigil. And many vintages later, his namesake wine continues to celebrate his undying loyalty, unwavering dedication, and inspiring determination.

Faithful Hound’s final resting place – the oak tree where he kept his three year vigil, next to the cottage where his master lived. “ (www.capeclassics.com)

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with rib eye steak

Tasted: 5 Jan 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 922443

Cost: $21.95 (Clearance price: $17.60)
Grape Variety: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Walla Walla Valley, Washington State
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Reininder Winery
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A quality cab with some kick to it

Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features cedar, dark and sour cherries, plums, red currents, thyme, cassis, turmeric, graphite, Allspice, cinnamon, cloves, peppers and leather. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Same wine sells for $45 at the winery

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with Pan-Roasted Veal Chops with Cabernet Sauce.

Tasted: 27 Nov 2014

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale price 9.5/10), Total: 19+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 387027