Wines Unspecified Château Musar - 2010

Viniou Reviews

Château Musar 2010 is a remarkable example of Lebanese winemaking, hailing from the historic Bekaa Valley. This 2010 vintage is a traditional blend, typically consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan, harvested from mature vines grown at high altitude (around 1,000 metres above sea level). The terroir here is marked by gravelly soils over limestone, promoting excellent drainage and imparting notable minerality to the wines. Vinification at Château Musar follows a non-interventionist approach: fermentation with ambient yeasts, minimal filtration, and long ageing in French oak barrels, followed by extended maturation in bottle before release. This vintage combines ripe dark fruit—think blackcurrant and dried cherries—with notes of leather, incense, and a characteristic savoury spice, underpinned by supple tannins and remarkable freshness.

The Bekaa Valley, Lebanon's premier wine region, boasts a winemaking tradition stretching back over 6,000 years. Its unique geography shelters the region from humidity and excessive rainfall, thanks to the surrounding mountain ranges, while warm days and cool nights ensure slow ripening and complexity in the grapes. The valley’s ancient soils, warm Mediterranean climate, and exceptional diurnal range all contribute to the balanced character and vibrant acidity found in Château Musar’s reds. Historically, this area was cultivated by Phoenicians and Romans, making it one of the cradles of wine civilisation.

Château Musar 2010 lends itself beautifully to rich and aromatic pairings. It is a superb companion to slow-cooked lamb dishes, such as Lebanese lamb kibbeh or a classic tagine with prunes and almonds. Its earthy undertones also complement roasted aubergine and grilled vegetables with Mediterranean spices, as well as mature cheeses like Comté or aged Manchego.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its complex aromas to unfurl. Serve at cellar temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. This will reveal the wine’s elegant structure and nuanced bouquet, providing a memorable tasting experience.