Wines Baalbek Estate Château Musar Bekaa Valley (Gaston Hochar) - 2018 - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Château Musar from the Bekaa Valley is one of Lebanon’s most iconic wines, produced by Gaston Hochar and his family. The 2018 vintage is a classic blend, although the precise composition can vary year to year, typically revolving around Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan. The grapes are hand-harvested from high-altitude vineyards nestled at 1,000 metres, benefiting from the region's strong diurnal temperature shifts. Vintage 2018 displays a deep, garnet hue with an expressive nose of ripe red and black fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it balances concentration and freshness, supported by fine tannins and a vibrant acidity, allowing the wine to age gracefully for many years. Vinification follows a largely natural philosophy: minimal intervention, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, extended aging in French oak barrels, and bottling without fining or filtration.

The Bekaa Valley is Lebanon’s preeminent wine region, steeped in millennia of winemaking history, from the Phoenicians through Roman times to the modern era. Its vineyards lie between the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, which provide natural protection and a unique microclimate. Dry summers, cool nights, and stony, limestone-rich soils contribute to the elegance and structure found in Château Musar’s reds. Winemaking here is defined by resilience, as generations have overcome challenging conditions to craft distinctive, world-class wines.

A wine of this depth pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern cuisine, especially dishes featuring grilled lamb, aubergine, or hearty lentil stews. Traditional Lebanese mezze—think kibbeh, moutabbal, or lamb shawarma with sumac—will highlight the wine’s savoury edge. European game meats, slow-cooked beef, or mushroom-based dishes also make excellent companions.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine at least one hour before serving to allow its complex aromas to evolve. Serve at a temperature between 16-18°C. The 2018 vintage can be cellared for further development, but is also expressive and harmonious now, offering a captivating glimpse into the Bekaa Valley’s unique terroir.