Chateau Musar Lebanon Red 2016

Château Musar 2016 is an exceptional red wine from Lebanon produced south of the Bekaa Valley, made from a blend of old vines with an average age of 40 years, some over 80 years old, of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault in equal parts. Yields are low, from 15 to 35 hl/ha and the stony soils on a limestone rock offer a terroir perfectly suited to the production of great red wines.

After a difficult 2015 vintage, 2016 started with a relatively wet winter and early spring, welcome conditions on soils that were still very dry. With the higher temperatures, the beneficial rains continued in May and then summer set in, and the ripening of the grapes was perfect. A very successful vintage.

This great Lebanese red wine brings a deep ruby colour and, on the nose, dominant aromas of cherry, plum and fig with spicier notes. On the palate, the velvety and very elegant texture offers great concentration on kirsch, blackcurrant and chocolate, with a very persistent finish.

One of the peculiarities of Château Musar's great red wines is the long period between the harvest and the marketing, i.e. almost seven years: after six months in vats, and a twelve-month ageing in oak barrels, bottling only takes place after twelve months and the bottles remain in the cellar for four years before being put on the market.

After decanting and aerating in a carafe for at least an hour, serve the wine at 18°C. It will be a perfect accompaniment to roasted and grilled meats, especially lamb, game and mature cheeses.

Find the Lebanese wines of Château Musar currently on sale at La Bouteille Dorée.