Cheval Franc estate in Ghollieq, St.Pauls'Bay. 4.175 hectares of land under vine. The estate is on a slope with clay soil with 20% terrarossa subsoil facing North, North West. Vertical trellis system with replacement cane pruning for Cabernet Franc and permanent cordon short spur pruning for Shiraz . Controlled drip irrigation with 6,250 vines per hectare.
16,887kg of grapes.
Yield: 28.3 hectolitres per hectare.
Hand harvested on 06/09/2005.
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.
Destemming, 14 days maceration, temperature controlled fermentation.
Beef braised in beer, shepherd's pie, Herb-roasted meat and game.
Appearance
Medium intensity with a medium ruby rim and a dense ruby core with tinted long legs.
Nose
Captivating aromas of a herbaceous nature with black fruit nuances of black berries and ripe plums underlined by a mineral hints of tar.
Palate
Soft and velvety on the palate with ripe black fruit: plums and dark cherries with nuances of ink and chocolate. It is full bodied, robust with warming alcohol and a nice long finish.
Conclusion
Ready to drink but will improve with further bottle ageing of 3-4 years. Definitely one of the best vintages for Cheval Franc.