Cost: $25.99 (KYD)
Grape Variety: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Cayman Islands
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Mulderbosch
Alcohol: 13.5%
Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.
Positives: Complex wine featuring incense, coffee, plums, red and blackcurrants, elderberry, hickory smoked bacon, all spice, leather, turmeric and cassis.
Negatives: None
Interesting Things: “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 on its own or pair it with spaghetti bolognese.
Tasted: 24 July 12
Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10, Total: 18/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 4
