2014 Chateau Musar Bekaa Valley Rouge Magnum

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.