MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND - 2002

Mulderbosch is the South African winery best known for its award winning Sauvignon Blanc and its star winemaker Mike Dubrovic. The Faithful Hound is a red blend from Stellenbosch consisting of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc.

TASTING NOTES:

Smoke and oak on the nose with wonderful flavors of smoked meat, black cherry, tar and black currant. There is still some heat here but it opens up nicely and dissipates after awhile giving way to Bordeaux-like herbs on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89 PTS
I'm in love with South African red wines especially their Merlot or Merlot blends from Stellenbosch. You almost can't go wrong if the bottle has Stellenbosch and Merlot on the label. These wines have unique smokey flavors that I crave and seek out. The Faithful Hound retails for around $17 a bottle.