Since moving to the Sunshine Coast a couple of years ago, I’ve found it surprising how many South Africans have migrated here. Of all the places, why this little section of Canada? I get that it’s lovely and all and can’t blame them. I can only guess that there must be a strange cult following of the Beachcombers down there and that’s how they discovered us. FYI; you have one of my favourite accents.   

So many of the South Africans I’ve met are very proud of the wines produced there and lament their lack of availability. And the pricing. Well this one’s for you.

Hailing from Stellenbosch, the Mulderbosch Cabernet Rose is a very good value at $15.99 (plus taxes) and can be found at the Gibsons and Sechelt Government liquor stores.

Mulderbosch was founded in 1989 and released this wine for the first time 1999. Finding Roses made from Cabernet Sauvignon is very unusual. Typically the varietal is too tannic to provide the freshness wanted in the production of Rose. But the grapes for this wine were grown in vineyards specifically sourced with this style of wine in mind and harvested early so as to retain their acidity. The juice is then vinified in the same way white wines are.

The colour is lovely though a bit reminiscent of my skin after too many hours in the sun. On the nose you get cherry and suggestions of rose petals. The cherry kicks in again on the palate with a bit of a mineral quality. Would it go well with Bobotie or Boerewors? Hard to say. But 100% at your next Braai.

Lastly; if point scores help make you feel more comfortable in deciding if you want to try it or not, a British “Master of Wine” whom I respect had this to say:

90 points, Tim Atkin – “Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée from Darling, Franschhoek and Paarl…direct pressed, elegant and floral, with leafy red cherry fruit and crunchy acidity.”