Chateau Musar Bekka Valley Gaston Hochar (2004)

Founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930, Chateau Musar is Lebanon's premier estate. This 371 acre property is located in the Bekaa Valley, 15 miles north of Beirut in Ghazir. The Houchars cultivate indigenous and international varietals – Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache as well as Obaideh (a native of Chardonnay), Merwah (a native variant of Semillon), Chardonnay, Viognier and Vermentino. The vineyards are planted on a limestone bed with gravelly top soils and are certified organic by the Mediterranean Institute of Certification (IMC). The white vines are 100–150 years old and planted at 4,000 feet, the reds at 3,280 feet. The altitude and the Mediterranean climate serve to lengthen the ripening process which helps produce fruit of superior quality.

Seven years in the making, Musar Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault picked from vineyards near Aana and Kefraya. Each varietal was fermented and aged in cement vats for nine months and then for a year in French Nevers oak barrels. After the wines were blended, a third was portioned off to mature for another nine months in vats. The wine was blended back, bottled and cellared in the family's cellars until Spring 2012.

A deep blood red color with a smoky, spicy nose of black fruit, toasted bread, dark chocolate and cigar box.
The palate is structured around velvety tannins and presents flavors of cherries, blackcurrants and prunes with hints of hint of dark chocolate and fresh tea leaves.