Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2020
The Mulderbosch Faithful Hound is a blend of five varieties; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. All grapes are estate grown except the Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon which come from neighbouring vineyards carefully chosen for their consistency and quality. The grapes were meticulously sorted prior to being destemmed. The fermentation process was initiated by naturally occurring yeast, and finished by a selected strain, added during the course of fermentation. Gentle extraction and long maceration time are the hallmarks of the winemaking style, followed by barrel maturation. The wine spent 18 months in French oak barriques, of which 30% were new and the remainder in second and third fill. Mulderbosch Faithful Hound is a classically styled, poised and elegant wine, with brooding earthy aromas, brambly fruit and hints of cocoa, cinnamon and bay leaf. Underpinned by serious structure, the palate unfolds with a core of dense fruit, chocolate and vanilla, textured tannins and a beautifully nuanced finish.