2014 Chateau Musar Bekaa Valley Rouge Magnum
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Region | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 1.5 ltr (14%) |
| Drink window | 2021 - 2035 |
Description
Chateau Musar is one of the most special wine estates in the world. On the one hand this is the location, the Lebanese Bekaa Valley, on the other hand they still use a completely traditional working method. The vineyards lie on siliceous limestone soils at an altitude of about 1000 metres. The long, warm summers guarantee excellent ripening of the grapes. Owner Serge Hochar, who was named Winemaker of the Year by the English magazine Decanter Magazine in the past, also received his wine training in France.
2014 is a year for the history books, in which the mountains of Lebanon did not turn white with snow. Very little rainfall in October and November 2013, with precipitation not exceeding 18 mm. This trend continued into the new year - no rain, snow or cold weather and only two stormy days
February and March were the driest and it looks like this winter was an extension of the summer of 2013. April, May, June and July, when the buds open and bloom, was perfect for the vines, but it was missing a very important element for summer survival - water. At the beginning of August, the vines began to suffer badly. Sugar content in Cabernet Sauvignon rose dramatically while acidity was stable. The variety lost 40% of its weight due to lack of moisture and hard work, but as is known from these types of old vineyards, the hard work and low yield does provide beautiful fruit. Very small fruit with a lot of flavor and a very low yield. Each variety was fermented with natural yeasts in concrete vats and aged for 12 months in French oak before blending and bottling in January 2017 without fining or filtration. The bottles will be aged in the cellars of Chateau Musar before release in Spring 2021.
The 2014 Musar has a deep red color, with aromas of sweet cherries, plums and dried fruit along with a subtle spice element and a hint of tobacco. The wine has a soft, round mouthfeel with great flavor and fruit concentration - caramel, mocha, ripe red fruits supported by soft, velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Delicious to drink, but as with all Musars, this wine can also age great, especially in this great magnum bottle of 1.5 liters.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | Lebanon |
| Region | Bekaa-vallei |
| Winery | Chateau Musar |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2014 |
| Drinking as of | 2021 |
| Drinking till | 2035 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 1.5 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Tasting Profiles | Earthy, Complex, Dark fruit, Dry, Aged on wood, Powerful, Tannines, Full |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Wijnhuis
Winemaking in Lebanon is far from a modern phenomenon. In the Beqaa Valley, evidence of wine production dates back to the Bronze Age, with the Phoenicians being among the earliest to cultivate vineyards. The famous Bacchus Temple in Baalbek also stands as a testament to the Roman's involvement in winemaking in the region.
Château Musar: a legacy of winemaking in Lebanon
The Beqaa Valley is an ideal location for grape cultivation. The valley is about eight kilometers wide and situated between two mountain ranges at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters. This high altitude creates a unique microclimate where the intense heat of the day is offset by cool nights, allowing the grapes to retain their fruity aromas. Additionally, meltwater from the mountains ensures a reliable water supply, while the soil—comprising loam, pebbles, and gray limestone—provides a healthy environment for the vines.
Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, winemaking has persisted. The only exceptions were during the years 1976 and 1984, when war prevented wine production. Grapes had to be transported nearly 100 kilometers through conflict zones to reach the winery, located just north of Beirut.
The revival of Lebanese winemaking because of Château Musar
After a long hiatus due to Islamic rule, which imposed a ban on alcohol production for over a thousand years, winemaking in Lebanon was revived by Jesuit priests in 1857. In 1930, Gaston Hochar founded Château Musar during the French mandate period. He sourced grapes from the Beqaa Valley and established a winery and cellar on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon, in Ghazir, just north of Beirut. Hochar received guidance from French professors in setting up his winery.
The Influence of Serge Hochar
Gaston Hochar's son, Serge, played a pivotal role in bringing Château Musar to global recognition. After training at Château Langoa-Barton in Bordeaux, Serge Hochar developed his own philosophy of winemaking. He favored a unique blend, combining the firm and robust structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruit-forward character of Rhône varietals such as Carignan and Cinsault—a blend rarely seen elsewhere.
Serge Hochar was committed to natural winemaking techniques, using wild yeasts, avoiding fining and filtering, and famously describing his wines as "wines without makeup." The red wines from Château Musar are aged for an average of 12 months in French oak barrels that are not toasted, followed by several years of cellar aging. The final blend is determined purely by taste, with each vintage offering distinct characteristics.
The unique style of Château Musar wines
The red Château Musar is an exceptional and traditional wine, often considered old-fashioned in style. Its color is never truly dark, usually exhibiting a brownish hue, with notes of spices and a subtle herbal quality in both aroma and flavor. These wines have remarkable aging potential, with Serge Hochar recommending they be enjoyed at their peak after 15 years. Each vintage reflects its own personality, and the wines are renowned for their distinctive character and ability to age gracefully.
Château Musar continues to be celebrated worldwide for its commitment to tradition and unique winemaking approach.
