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1998

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

J
ammy strawberry and cassis with a hint of earthiness. Background spicy notes of coffee and black licorice. Very smooth on the palate with full blackberry, cedar, black licorice and black olive. Medium body and tannin with a smooth, lasting finish.

The Vintage
Bud break was a little late in 1999 and harvest was later as a result. Otherwise a growing season on the cool side yielding small berries on light clusters.

The grapes from the 1999 Cabernet come from a small "crown" formation near the top of the site.

Vinification
The grapes were crushed to a tank and fermented on the skins with wild yeast for 18 days. The cap was gently pumped over with a “sprinkler” twice a day. The wine was then put in French oak barrels, 28% new, and aged for 28 months before bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Technical Information
Grapes harvested: October 18, 1999
Sugar at harvest: 24.5 degrees Brix
TA (Titrateable Acidity): 6.0 g/l
pH: 3.68
Alcohol: 14.3%
Cases produced: 639

© 2003 GEORG RAFAEL VINEYARDS Monte-Carlo Palace 7, Boulevard des Moulins, Monte Carlo MC98000 tel. +377 97 97 62 10 email: rafael@rafaelhotels.mc