Year

Grand Maitre
2002
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

8,365 kg of grapes harvested.

Yield: 46.9 hectolitres per hectare.

Hand harvested on 21/08/2002.

The 2002 vintage was characterised by an exceptionally dry winter. The temperature during summer, especially at night, was mild when compared to previous years.

Vinification

Destemming, 17 days maceration, temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation. Minimum of 14 months maturation in new french oak barrels

Wine Analysis: Acidity - 5.3g/l Alcohol: 12.8%
Peak Drinking: 2009 - 2015
Food Matches

Roast lamb with herbs, roast duck/goose, fillet steak

Tasting Notes:

Appearance

Moderately deep intensity with a medium ruby rim and a deep ruby core.

Nose

Medium intense developing aromas of soft and ripe black fruit: black currants and black cherries with a slight hint of vanilla, coffee and a touch of tropical fruit.

Palate

Copious levels of smooth and velvety tannins underline the rich fruitiness of prunes, black berries and complexities of tobacco and liquorice. A well-balanced wine, with good acidity, generous alcohol and excellent length.

Conclusion

This wine is already approachable but can benefit from a further bottle ageing period of 6 years.

 
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