Thirsty Thursday: 2010 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Living in central Wyoming means that a large portion of the population doesn’t have the most sophisticate palates when it comes to wine. And that is just fine, as I’m a firm believer there is a wine or style of wine out there for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately though misconceptions about particular wine styles continue to persist both in small town America as well as in the larger cosmopolitan areas.
Case in point is Rosé which has been given an altered perception/bad name because of the evil sugar laden jungle juice known as White Zinfandel…honestly I’m not bias.
A blush concoction developed during the early 1970′s in California’s Central Valley, White Zin is made primarily from Zinfandel grapes with limited fermentation on the skins and blended with sugar to imperfection. This wine style that fed on Americans sweet tooth and infant wine knowledge became extremely popular, but consequently has left many unaware of what a true Rosé is and how good the wine style can be.
Traditional Rosés from France tend to be light and on the drier side, with the fruit nuances of wines playing a more subtle role. While Spanish Rosés tend to speak more to New World palates with a more vocal riper fruit presence. The point is that when you’re pondering what a Rosé is, it should be something along either of these Old World styles which don’t require massive amounts of sugar to be pleasing to the palate.
One Rosé that regularly found its way into the wine tasting events I directed and one that I continue to enjoy to this day is from the Mulderbosch Winery in South Africa. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine typically has robust fruit characteristics combined with a balance of acidity that always leaves one’s palate engaged and refreshed. It’s a great wine to enjoy during the summer heat, or as a simple aperitif, or with summer salads and sushi.
And for the record the liquor store clerk here in Wyoming did ask me “how sweet” the Mulderbosch Rosé was and seemed perplexed that it wasn’t like a White Zin.
Here is my complete review:
2010 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé (Coastal Region, South Africa)
Dark pink in color with an orange tinge, the slightly tart nose opens with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and tobacco. Bright and fresh, the wine weighs evenly across the palate presenting a balance of red fruit (think strawberry and pomegranate) and acidity with a clean finish. An uncomplicated relaxed wine that possesses enough substance to keep one interested, while ensuring the demanded refreshing quality of a Rosé.
Retails Around $10-12
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I had some great cabernet sauvignon-based rose while wine touring in Sonoma a couple years back. Also – love the strike through editorial about White Zin. ha.
Rose cabs can be so richly good and glad you appreciate the strike through. Cheers!
Shock horror *hangs head in shame* I have not had this wine before – unacceptable being South African. I have given myself a stern talking to and will rectify the situation ASAP!
Mandy
Bottomline…start drinking more wine Mandy!!
Mulderbosch Cabrnet Sauvignon Rose is one of our very favorites! Thanks for letting your readers know of the virtues of many Roses!
Glad to know that there is another fan out there!
Even though I was not of drinking age in the 70′s I do remember these ‘blush drinks’ being all the rage. They disappeared off the shelves for a while but lately I have noticed they seem to be making a comeback. Love the look of this bottle xx
Fear the blush, embrace the Rose!!
I’ve avoided rosés like over-cooked pasta since the days of White Zinfandel. This one, though, Jed, does seem worth at least trying. Thanks for the heads-up.
It won’t kill or scar you for live…that is for sure.
What an interesting label too, Jed. I like a wine leaves one’s palate engaged and refreshed! I just did a search through our LCBO and this bottle is rather reasonably priced at $11! Normally, I would be skeptical but I do trust your opinion. The review on the LCBO app claims it is filled with red fruit, and is juicy, ripe and round. It scored 3.5/5 from Christian Eedes, Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2011.
At this price range it’s a wine that isn’t going to knock your brain cells out of the water, but it is good stuff nonetheless.
Rosés are a difficult subject… Personally I rarely buy them, but I find them less risky when going for a drink in a bar/café and having just one glass of wine (white wines can be horrible here in Switzerland). I have talked to a friend, my reference in terms of wine expertise, who told me some rosés even age well…. but apparently it’s very rare.
Now that I think I once had an extraordinary, very dry rosé champagne (it was at least ten years old) and it was one of the most unforgettable wine moments in my life (I have always hated rosé champagnes, they usually taste like bubble gum).
I thought you lived in Utah… and was surprised at the choice of wines you had there.
Rosés can be very tricky and I’ve found that people really prefer one style of rosé or none that all. So finding a winner is difficult, but one thing is for sure…I’d have a hard time paying more than $20 for any rosé. Aging well? I suppose it’s possible, but outside of a champagne it would seem somewhat counter to what a rosé is.
We were living in Utah (where the wine selection wasn’t too bad), but we recently moved to Wyoming for a few months and the selection here is very trying on the soul.
i really really love a good rose on a summer afternoon under a cool tree preferably. We used to be able to buy a lovely one in london but I have forgotton its name.. thank you for this, I might order some in case I do get to sit under a tree one day and while away an afternoon! c
This would be perfect under the cool shade of any tree on your farm C!
I love a rose’, especially in warm weather. this one sounds great! will have to look for it in our local store. cheers!