Bekaa Valley Red Blend

I had a few members of the Tasting Group crew join me in a sort of, "help me drink down my cellar" gathering. Everyone had an opportunity to dig through the cellar and select a bottle of their choosing; the identity of the wine was kept from everyone else and then presented double-blind though, since the bottles were being pulled from my cellar, it wasn't a true double-blind situation for me. This was poured into a decanter and served within two hours of opening. The wine poured a deep ruby, bordering garnet color and slightly turbid. On the nose, it was immediately apparent that this was a vinous wine with abundant ripe red and black fruits some of which came across bruised and desiccated. Along with the fruit was a striking smell of barnyard funk, pipe tobacco, leather, and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine was dry and the fruit set was more or less confirmed. The fruit was gorgeous, fully mature and the finish was long and savory. The tannins were pretty well integrated. Plenty of acid to keep everything afloat. I was headed to the Rhone based off the evidence, something with age and probably from a traditional producer in Chateauneuf du Pape. Due to the color, signs of sediment, abundance of dried fruit and the strong presence of secondary characteristics, I figured this was at least 15 years old from a warmer vintage. After thinking, I called 2005 Pegau. After drinking the 2005 Pegau later, I don't hate my call. This wine is singing and will likely last for at least another decade.

Where the younger et Fils range is bright and alive with ripened fruits, this is certainly more wise and gentle. Dried plums, plenty of spice, still in its prime almost two generations later. Phenomenal juice.

Young but ready to drink. Gorgeous nose with funk, dried red fruits, dried plum, violet and truffle. Medium body but nice tannins and long finish. Impressive.

Still very clean. Chocolate, raisin and ripe black cherry.

It’s been six years or so since I had the 2003 and my goodness has time been kind to this! Decanted two hour prior to dinner. The color was a very striking dark ruby with very little sign of deterioration. There was sediment but decanting helped mitigate most of it. The nose was magnificent: dark cherries, blackberries, baked apples, cinnamon, nutmeg...and there was spiced meat with paprika. On the palate, it told a very similar story. The finish was looooong and remarkably savory! Positively mouthwatering. There’s no doubt in my mind that the 2003 has got a decade or more left in the tank. What a treat.

Not my all-time favorite vintage of these classics, but always a treat regardless. Musar hardly disappoints.

Always a solid wine! Open it up and sip for a few hours if you can because this wine is ALIVE!!

Wild. Dried fruit but very supple. Lots of musky spice and liquorice. Woodsy. Stellar!

Mature and open knit. I'd say 03 character but what was it in Lebanon? Stewed plums and tobacco.

Georgeous! Right storage is the key,...