For the initiated few, those steeped in the subtleties of viticulture, the allure of South African wines is no secret. This isn’t just about good wine anymore; it’s about greatness, an unparalleled value proposition that positions South Africa at the zenith of the wine world. One of the leading wineries in South Africa has a new owner, as the fallout from Terroir Capital founder Charles Banks' conviction on federal fraud charges continues.
Third Leaf Wines, a new California-based firm, has purchased the renowned Mulderbosch winery in Stellenbosch from Terroir for an undisclosed price. The deal includes the brand, the winery and 136 acres of vineyards.
A New Beginning
"Mulderbosch is an iconic brand," said Alex Pagon, managing partner for Third Leaf Partners, parent company of Third Leaf Wines. Third Leaf Partners is a San Francisco-based investment firm that provides capital and strategic management support to wineries and hotels, including brands like Evening Land and Blackberry Farm. The company recently formed Third Leaf Wines as part of an effort to expand its portfolio and grow its investments in wineries.
Chriantó Oosthuizen, the CEO of Mulderbosch, and Adam Mason, head of winemaking, became partners in the business as well, and will be staying on at the winery. Third Leaf also recently hired Bob Guinn, former senior vice president of sales for importer Wilson Daniels, to head its sales operation.
History and Terroir
Mulderbosch Vineyards, founded by Larry Jacobs and Mike Dobrovic in 1989, stands as a testament to visionary optimism. Initially a neglected fruit farm in Stellenbosch, the property was devoid of any vinous heritage. Yet, Jacobs and Dobrovic saw not desolation, but destiny.
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Stellenbosch’s terroir is a veritable mosaic-ancient soils like Malmesbury shale, Table Mountain sandstone, sandy duplex, and decomposed granite-some of the oldest and most venerable soil on Earth. Cradled in a concave valley floor, the estate is bordering the Atlantic Ocean benefiting from the cooling influence of the nearby False Bay, a mere 14 kilometers away. This maritime influence ensures a temperate climate, allowing slow, deliberate ripening, yielding grapes of poised acidity and vivid flavor.
Winemaking Philosophy
In the winery, traditional techniques are combined with modern innovations to create wines that reflect their terroir and varietal purity. The solar-powered sanctuary houses an array of fermentation and aging vessels: stainless steel tanks, large wooden foudres, and small barriques. This flexibility allows the fermentation process to be tailored to each wine’s unique needs.
By minimizing intervention during fermentation and aging, they ensure that the natural characteristics of the fruit shine through.
The Mulderbosch Portfolio
Since its founding in 1989, Mulderbosch Vineyards has widely been accepted as one of South Africa's foremost wine producers. Although wine guide author John Platter famously referred to the Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc as "South Africa's most celebrated Sauvignon", the entire Mulderbosch portfolio has consistently represented high quality wines of distinction for which it has gained an enviable track record.
Offerings include our Faithful Hound Bordeaux-style blend; a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé; a Barrel Fermented and lightly wooded style of Chardonnay; a Chenin Blanc sourced from predominantly old bush vines and a deliciously decadent Noble Late Harvest made from Sauvignon Blanc. By focusing on excellence and innovation, we’ve been able to build an exciting and diverse collection of eleven well-loved red, white, and rosé, single variety, single vineyard, estate and blended wines. All our wines are vegan-friendly and are meant for drinking when you buy them.
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Here's a glimpse into some of Mulderbosch's notable wines:
| Wine | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|
| BRUT 2018 | Green golden color, fresh with delicate mousse, dry with creamy, nutty character. |
| STEEN OP HOUT 2024 | Notes of Granny Smith apple, peaches, white pear and ripe summer melon. Sweet fruit with yeasty creaminess. |
| SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 | Juicy tropical guava, ripe lemons, blackcurrant, herbal fynbos notes. |
| CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSE 2025 | Exuberantly red berried aromatic profile, sweet fruit and undeniable Cabernet. |
| CHARDONNAY 2023 | Citrus zesty freshness, think orange peel, with a whiff of lemon blossom. |
| OLD VINE STEEN OP HOUT 2023 | Strikingly mineral perfume - saline and crystalline - which frames the fruit with precision. |
| FAITHFUL HOUND 2022 | Notes of bramble berry, baked rhubarb, and dense/ripe plum. |
| Estate Blend 2021 | Red berry fruit such as mulberry, blackberry and some cassis. |
| CABERNET FRANC 2021 | A burst of fresh red and black fruits greets you immediately. Vibrant and perfumed. |
Nestled in the Stellenbosch Kloof, our tasting destination provides endless views of the surrounding vineyards.
Stellenbosch Vineyards - Discover... The Ultimate Pedigree
For 35 years Mulderbosch Vineyards has been recognized for crafting innovative and extraordinary wines that reflect the passion and creativity of the people behind the brand.
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