Year

Grand Maitre
2003
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

5,712 kg of grapes harvested.

Yield: 32 hectolitres per hectare.

Hand harvested on 28/08/2003.

The 2003 vintage was characterised by an above average winter rainfall that generally provided strength and vigour to the wine, particularly for the coming year. The temperatures during summer were well above those of the previous year and sometimes reached up to 40°C.

Vinification

Destemming, 15 days maceration, temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation. Minimum of 14 months maturation in new french oak barrels

Wine Analysis: Acidity: 5.2g/l Alcohol: 12.1%
Peak Drinking: 2009 - 2013
Food Matches

Roast marinated lamb, mixed grill, char-grilled steak

Tasting Notes:

 

Appearance: Clear, narrow pale ruby rim, (hint of garnet), deep ruby core, long legs.
 
Nose: Clean, medium – intensity of developing aromas of mineral, earthy, tar, creamy, sweet spice nuances of oak, vanilla, cinnamon, kernel: nutty, almondy, coffee, black fruit: prunes and plums.
 
Palate: Dry, medium – acidity, medium + level of tannins of a soft and ripe nature, medium + body, well integrated warming alcohol, soft juicy fruit and complexities of oak, leather, juniper berries and nutmeg. Medium + length.
 
Conclusion: Palate better than nose. Drinking well now but can keep for 5-7 years. Silky-textured, ripe fruit, the wine is at its peak.
 
 
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