12 November 2017
Olfactory the first impression is of tea with a hint of mint. After swirling, the smell turns earthy and meaty, with fruity aromas in the background. Some more air and the sensations change again and become more subtle.
In the mouth the wine is soft and smooth, with well-balanced acidity and tannins. The finishing is at first a bit rough and dry and the aftertaste less rich and persistent than expected. Both improve with time and overall the wine turns out to be very fascinating.
This is a wine that can and should be cellared for many years. I personally will buy a couple of bottles at ARVI for 37 CHF and one day enjoy them with my son, who was also born in 2009.
Chateau Musar Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault (in this vintage each grape variety represents 1/3 of the blend).
The Chateau was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar and since 2006 went organic. The Hochar arrived in Lebanon during the Crusades and Gaston created the winery after returning from Bordeaux, where he studied grape-growing and winemaking.
The vineyards are located in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, where vines have been cultivated for at least 6’000 years and spread along the Mediterranean coast by the Phoenicians.
When I visited the Bekaa Valley in 2007 (on the way back from Beirut to Damascus), I wasn’t as much into wines as today and unfortunately I didn’t explore the region from an oenological perspective. Instead, I focused on the amazing archeological site of Baalbek and in not ending up in the hands of Hezbollah, since the Bekaa Valley is the stronghold of this Shi’a Islamist militant group.
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault
Type: Red
Vintage: 2009
Producer: Gaston Hochar
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5