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

5,665 kg of grapes harvested.

Yield: 36 hectolitres per hectare.

Hand harvested on 20/08/2001.

The 2001 vintage was characterised by a dry winter, with reduced rainfall verging on drought conditions. Summer temperatures before harvest reached 38°C resulting in excellent grape maturity.

Vinification

Destemming, 18 days maceration, temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation. Minimum of 14 months maturation in new french oak barrels

Wine Analysis: Acidity - 4.7g/l Alcohol: 12.7%

Peak Drinking: 2014- 2020

Food Matches

Barbecued meats and vegetables, rich beef and game stews

Tasting Notes:

Cork: Excellent condition

Presence of sediment.

App: Clear, wide garnet rim, medium ruby core, long legs

Nose: Clean, medium + intense aromas of a developing nature of oak: cedar wood, tobacco, cigar box, bramble fruit, black fruit character of black cherries and black berries.

Palate: Dry, medium acidity, medium body, Concentration of hearty tannins, warming alcohol, medium + flavour intensity of black fruit character: black cherries and berries underlined by a hint of cloves and developing into a spicy candied orange flavour. Medium + length.

Conclusion: This wine has a distinct left bank Bordeaux character mostly influenced by the Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend. Well balanced, softening with time and becoming more elegant.