2016 Chateau Musar Bekaa Valley Rouge

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 method. The vineyards are located on siliceous lime-clay soils at an altitude of about 1000 meters. 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, has also received his wine training in France.

The expectations for the 2016 harvest were clearly influenced by thoughts about the bad weather of 2015. Nothing could be further from the truth. December 2015 got off to a positive start with 130 mm of precipitation. This was followed by 360mm in January accompanied by plenty of snow, providing the soils with much-needed moisture and nutrients. February and March proved cold and rainy with a further 300mm of precipitation greatly welcomed by the dry terrain. April was warm with an average nighttime temperature of plus 5 degrees Celsius instead of minus 5 of the previous year. May came with 45mm of rain, enough to stimulate the vines and from then on we started to have higher expectations for this year's harvest. A sunny June followed with low humidity and in July we enjoyed an average temperature of 34 degrees. Due to the early ripening, the harvest could start much earlier than in all previous years! Cabernet Sauvignon was the first to be harvested on August 16 from silty soils that encouraged early ripening. Cinsault followed on September 2 with carignan on September 7.

The blend consists of equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan. Each variety was fermented with natural yeasts in concrete vats, then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels before being blended and bottled in February 2019 without fining or filtration during the summer months of July and August. The fermentation was smooth, with an average temperature between 27 and 29 in concrete vats. After the individual fermentations, the quality of Cabernet was found to be excellent, with great depth of fruit and concentration. Cinsault was elegant and silky with an explosion of aromas. As usual, Carignan showed its quality, a result of the warm conditions where the yield of the grapes was lower, but with higher concentration. This is an exceptional grape that is truly typical of the Bekaa terroir. The wine will not be released in the Netherlands until late spring 2022

The 2016 Musar has a deep red colour, with aromas of sweet cherries, plums and dried fruits along with a subtle herbal element and a hint of tobacco. The wine has a smooth, 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 wonderfully.

FACT: Under the tab: Appendix you will find the official factsheet of this wine. We will automatically send you this digitally when you order this wine