Wines Baalbek Estate Château Musar 2017 - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Château Musar 2017 is a distinguished red wine from the revered Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, crafted under the watchful eye of the Hochar family. Centred around a classic Bordeaux blend, it typically incorporates Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, reflecting the house's unique approach to winemaking. The 2017 vintage benefited from a relatively mild and consistent growing season, allowing grapes to ripen steadily and develop their characteristic complexity. Fermentation is generally conducted with native yeasts, followed by extended maturation—often in a combination of cement vats and French oak barrels—before being bottled unfiltered. The resulting wine is known for its vibrant ruby hue and compelling aromatic profile, with notes of ripe red fruits, dried herbs, spices, tobacco, and a subtle earthy undertone—a hallmark of Musar’s emblematic style.

The Bekaa Valley is Lebanon’s premier wine region, located east of Beirut and framed by the dramatic Anti-Lebanon and Mount Lebanon mountain ranges. At an altitude of around 1,000 metres, vineyards benefit from cool nights, hot sunny days, and a significant diurnal temperature variation, ensuring both ripeness and freshness in the grapes. The gravelly soils over limestone contribute excellent drainage and lend a distinct mineral backbone to the wines. Winegrowing here dates back over two millennia, with contemporary producers such as Château Musar drawing from both French and local influences to craft wines with a singular identity and powerful sense of place.

Château Musar 2017’s generous texture and savoury complexity make it a versatile partner for robust dishes. It pairs beautifully with Lebanese classics such as lamb kibbeh, grilled aubergine, or slow-cooked tagines studded with dried fruits and spices. Classic French fare like duck confit or a rich cassoulet are also excellent matches, as are hard, aged cheeses.

For optimal appreciation, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its aromas to unfurl fully. Serve at 17-18°C to highlight its vibrance and complexity. This wine has substantial ageing potential but is delightful to enjoy now with suitable aeration.