The Last Rosé of Summer

by artfuldiner on August 22, 2018

in Artful Diner Mini Review, Opinion, Wine

Mulderbosch Cab Sauv Rose 2017Since its founding in 1989, Mulderbosch Vineyards, which is located east of Cape Town in the Stellenosch Hills, has been widely accepted as one of South Africa’s foremost wine producers.

In 2011, Mulderbosch was bought by California-based investment company Terroir Selections, which had long desired to invest in the Cape Winelands. Terroir immediately began overhauling the winemaking and management teams, bringing in Adam Mason as head winemaker (pictured below). Mr. Mason had worked with highly regarded Napa winemaker Andy Erickson, as well as stints in France, Spain and an extended tenure at South Africa’s Klein Constantia.

Although John Platter, author of Platter’s South African Wine Guide, famously referred to the Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc as “South Africa’s most celebrated Sauvignon,” the winery’s entire portfolio has consistently represented wines of the highest quality. Offerings include “Faithful Hound” Bordeaux-style blend, a barrel-fermented and lightly wooded-style Chardonnay, a Chenin Blanc sourced from predominately old bush vines, and a deliciously decadent Noble Late Harvest made from Sauvignon Blanc.

Mulderbosch, Adam Mason, WinemakerThe Mulderbosch wine that you may wish to consider, however, is their distinctive 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it a good deal more body and flavor than most Rosés made from lesser grape varietals. Ninety-five percent of the grapes are picked early and only spend time on the skins as they go through the press. The other five percent are picked when the grapes are riper, which adds additional sweetness to the wine. The color is a vibrant cotton candy pink; the nose rife with berry and cherry aromas. On the palate, the wine is delightfully crisp and refreshing with a lively acidity.

The 2017 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé is easily recognizable by its label, as pictured above, a long vertical strip with the name written horizontally and a wax stamp image at the bottom. This is a wine you can immediately spot on a retailer’s shelf… And it is well worth seeking out, as this charming Rosé is priced at a mere $13.99 in Pennsylvania State Stores (a few dollars less online).

Cheers!

TAD

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