Viniou Reviews
Château Musar from the Bekaa Valley is perhaps Lebanon’s most internationally cherished estate, and the 2018 vintage continues its proud lineage. This red blend, typically composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan, reflects a remarkable combination of fruit depth and earthy complexity. The grapes are hand-harvested from mature, low-yielding vines in the Caza de Baalbek region, then naturally fermented with minimal intervention. Ageing often takes place in a mix of concrete vats and French oak barrels, with additional time in bottle, imparting layers of texture and nuance. The 2018 vintage is already enticing, offering aromas of mulberry, cherry, leather and spice, evolving towards dried herbs and tobacco as it matures. On the palate, the wine balances ripe berry fruit with hints of Mediterranean garrigue, supported by supple yet persistent tannins and a distinctive mineral freshness.
The Bekaa Valley itself is an extraordinary viticultural region, framed by Lebanon’s two mountain ranges at elevations between 1,000 and 1,200 metres. This altitude ensures hot, dry summers and cool nights, ideal for preserving acidity and aromatic finesse. The region’s gravelly limestone soils offer excellent drainage and encourage deep root growth, which contributes to both concentration and vibrancy in the finished wines. Viticulture here dates back millennia, with the Romans, Phoenicians and others leaving their mark—the nearby ruins of Baalbek testifying to the valley’s ancient legacy.
With its generous yet savoury profile, this Château Musar 2018 matches beautifully with dishes that echo both its Mediterranean origins and its complexity. Classic Lebanese lamb dishes such as kofta or slow-cooked lamb tagine will resonate with the wine’s spice and earth tones, while roasted duck, grilled aubergine with sumac, or matured cheeses offer further delicious possibilities.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to help its nuanced aromas emerge fully. Serve at 16-18°C, which highlights both the fruit and the structure. This vintage already expresses great finesse, but it will reward cellaring for another decade for those who enjoy the patina of gentle age.
