Château Musar
Bekaa Valley Red Blend
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.
Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.
How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery.
It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.
Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.
How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery.
Undeniably Musar; VA for days (even after decanting 6 hours); rich red and black fruits; good pairing with Thanksgiving Beef Wellington
Undeniably Musar; VA for days (even after decanting 6 hours); rich red and black fruits; good pairing with Thanksgiving Beef Wellington
Nov 26th, 2020
Vintage 2006 - always special to taste Musar. Made from the three C’s #cinsault #carignan #cabernetsauvignon Mature smell with richness, a lot of complexity, the wine is in smell and taste warm as well as multi- layered. Plums also. Nice to taste Musar again. #lebanonwine
Vintage 2006 - always special to taste Musar. Made from the three C’s #cinsault #carignan #cabernetsauvignon Mature smell with richness, a lot of complexity, the wine is in smell and taste warm as well as multi- layered. Plums also. Nice to taste Musar again. #lebanonwine
May 15th, 2018
Epoisse, parchment, beeswax, and wet stone with grapefruit.
Epoisse, parchment, beeswax, and wet stone with grapefruit.
Feb 6th, 2015
With WineWise / Chaval Mediterranean dinner by Zoom. Lovely interesting red, served with lamb shanks. But $60 retail ....
With WineWise / Chaval Mediterranean dinner by Zoom. Lovely interesting red, served with lamb shanks. But $60 retail ....
Mar 6th, 2021
Delicious, smooth and opulent. Rich and savoury notes, along with plum, soft leather and cedar. smooth and well balanced tannin. Perfect accompaniment to a juicy steak
Delicious, smooth and opulent. Rich and savoury notes, along with plum, soft leather and cedar. smooth and well balanced tannin. Perfect accompaniment to a juicy steak
Feb 14th, 2019