Year

Grand Maitre
1999
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

3,457kg of grapes harvested.

Yield: 19.4 hectolitres per hectare.

Hand harvested on 19/08/1999.

1999 was characterised by a very hot summer which resulted in a reduced yield, which was particularly notable in the Grand Maitre vineyard.

Vinification

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

Wine Analysis: Acidity - 6.2g/l Alcohol: 12.1%
Peak Drinking: 2009 -2018
Food Matches

Rabbit casserole, roast duck with a reduced plum sauce, pork with prunes, Camembert, oxtail

Tasting Notes:

 

Cork: Excellent condition
 
Appearance: Clear, narrow garnet rim, medium ruby core, medium legs, traces of sediment
 
Nose: Clear, medium + intense aromas of a youthful nature of exotic fruit: passion fruit, lychees, sweet spice: vanilla, oak, nutmeg, candied fruits, figs followed by black cherries and black berries.
 
Palate: Dry, medium + acidity, medium + level of tannins of a soft and ripe nature, medium bodied, smooth alcohol, medium + flavour intensity of black fruit, black cherries, blue berries, oak, sweet spice, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, cedar. Medium + finish
 
Conclusion: Well defined and expressive red wine, generous fruit and complex, cooked fruit, grippy tannins. Elegant
 
Drinking well now. Can keep for 6 -8 years
 
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