Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Charles Banks, known for the 'Cult Classic', SCREAMING EAGLE, now owns Stellenbosch's 'MULDERBOSCH Vineyards' by Philip S. Kampe





The vineyards of MULDERBOSCH are located in the prime Koelenhof area of Stellenbosch, South Africa, an area well-known for its rich soil.
The farm land that housed Mulderbosch was bought in 1989, cleaned-up and was  planted by legendary winemaker Mike Dobrovic.
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc varietals were planted. 
After a few vintages, local wine guru John Platter proclaimed his belief in Mulderbosch wines, especially the Sauvignon Blanc, thus putting Mulderbosch and their wines on to the world stage.
In due time, the stylish Sauvignon Blanc that winemaker Mike Doborvic developed won worldwide  acclaim and a name for Mulderbosch wines.
In 2009 the vineyard was sold, winemaker Mike Dobrovic moved on, making room for group cellar master, Richard Kershaw to take over the helm.
Today, Charles Banks, known for his ‘cult classic’ Screaming Eagle, a California Cabernet, and his investing group, Terroir Capital, recently purchased Mulderbosch. Their plans are to take this wonderful wine to greater heights.
The wines have been imported into the United States for the past twenty plus years by well-respected South African importers, Cape Classics.
When I was in wine sales many years ago, I often led my customers to Mulderbosch wines.
I knew if they liked the wines, they would have no trouble remembering the label, as it placed on the bottle vertically. Most wine labels are horizontal.
As a wine retailer, repeat business is the name of the game.
Customers rarely remember the label of a bottle of wine they purchase.
In the case of Mulderbosch, the label is what they remember, along with the high quality of the wines (all under $20).
The new owners recently held a tasting of their wines. It was time for me to reacquaint myself with Mulderbosch wines.
The results from my peers were all positive with two thumbs up. We also noted that these wines are, in-fact, exceptional food pairing wines.
The wines from Mulderbosch that we sampled were:

“Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen Op Houtt: Mulderbosch has the largest plantings of Chenin Blanc in the world. This wine is a ‘classic’, known for its natural acidity. Twenty per cent of the wine is aged in oak barrels for five months. Peach, melon, green apple and ripe melon explode on your palate. Add a touch of oak and you have a rich, flavorful, complex wine. ($15.99)

Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its cut grass and gooseberry profile, this Sauvignon Blanc deserves the numerous 90 point ratings it receives. Tropical fruit aromas such as guava, lime and lychee are balanced with the exceptional acidity that follows. ($17.99)

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose: This is my favorite Mulderbosch wine. Its high acidity combined with fruit aromas makes this rose special. The grapes are grown specifically for this rose, thus creating notes of rose pedal, red berries and pomegranate. Add barrel aging and a touch of cassis, watermelon and blackcurrant take over. ($12.99)

Isn't it time to try MULDERBOSCH?



 Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com


3 comments:

Carlo M. said...

These wines may soon create a new 'cult' following if Charles Banks has anything to do with them.
I will take your recommendation and try the 'Rose', first.
Thank you for the news.

Paul L. said...

Great article--I have never had Mulderbosch.
Now I will.

Lucia S. said...

Nice article. And great wines for the price.

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