Year

Grand Maitre
2005
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. 1.6 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

7,938 kg of grapes harvested.

Yield: 44.5 hectolitres per hectare.

Hand harvested on 09/09/2005.

The 2005 vintage, similarly to the previous vintage, was characterised by typical Central Mediterranean winter climatic conditions and cool summer temperatures which led to a slow maturation process and late harvesting, giving deep red, well structured, balanced wines.

Vinification

Destemming, 16 days maceration, temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation. Minimum of 14 months maturation in new french oak barrels

Wine Analysis: Acidity: 5g/l Alcohol:13%
Peak Drinking: 2012 - 2015
Food Matches

Well flavoured, spicy dishes, spare ribs with Bbq sauce, steak with mustard and soy sauce

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Narrow pale ruby rim (hint of garnet), deep ruby core, long legs

Nose: Same as 2004 but with more sweet spice aromas of vanilla, oak, slightly jammy and cooked fruit

Palate: Full bodied, dry, robust, medium + level of ripe tannins, medium acidity, concentrated fruitiness, black fruit, black currant, black cherries, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla. Well integrated oak and a long lingering finish.

Conclusion: A thick, concentrated, jammy, potent red wine supported by good levels of acidity, ample tannins. Needs more ageing. (Will improve for 4 – 5 years, Can keep 4- 5) Drinking well now. Can keep 8 – 10 years

 
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