Year

Grand Maitre
1998
General Description:

The Collection of Grand Maitre Wines comes from the private single estate, Ghajn Rihana, with the fruit of each vintage being dedicated to one of the noble Grand Masters of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc generally produces very concentrated, full bodied wines of an intense, fruity, aromatic character. The aromas are of intense concentration of a black fruit character showing ripe, integrated, astringent tannins with an animal complexity of tar and leather combined with an oaky spicy character of cinnamon and liquorice. This wine can age further and is also a collector’s item reaching high prices.

Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
The Vineyard & Training Systems

Ghajn Rihana estate in Burmarrad. 1.246 hectares of land under vine. Deep alkaline soil with calcareous clay subsoil. Vertical trellis system with permanent cordon training for Cabernet Sauvignon and replacement cane pruning for Cabernet Franc. Controlled drip irrigation 9,000 vines per hectare

Yield, Harvest & Vintage Conditions

5,665kg of grapes harvested.

Yield: 31.8 hectolitres per hectare.

Hand harvested on 25/08/1998.

1998 was characterised by heavy rainfalls during the winter season, followed by an exceptionally hot summer.

Vinification

Destemming, 12 days maceration, temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation. Minimum of 14 months maturation in new french oak barrels

Wine Analysis: Acidity - 5.8g/l Alcohol: 11.7%
Peak Drinking: 2009 - 2012
Food Matches

Simply roast or grilled meat, sauteed ham, pheasant and truffles, game

Tasting Notes:

 

 

 
Cork: excellent condition
 
Appearance: Clear, wide pale garnet rim, pale ruby core, traces of sediment, medium legs (12 – 12.5)
 
Nose: Clean, medium intense aromas of a developing nature of coffee, mint, leather, liquorice, marzipan, tobacco, prunes, sultana.
 
Palate: Dry, medium acidity, medium level of tannins of a soft and ripe nature, medium level of well integrated alcohol, medium body, medium + flavour of prunes, red currant, sweet spice: vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon. Medium + finish.
 
Conclusion: A complex red wine with delicate alcohol, soft fruit, slightly grippy tannins, expressive of terroir. Elegant and harmonius.
 
Drink now, can keep for 4-5 years.
 
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