Château Musar
Hochar Père & Fils Bekaa Valley Red Blend
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Popped and poured; consumed over three days. The 2017 Musar “Hochar Pere et Fils” presents a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. Moderate staining of the tears. On the nose the wine is funky cherry accompanied by desiccated strawberry, leather, damp earth, espresso, baking chocolate, and some exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the fruit characteristics and non-fruit characteristics whilst adding a licorice, prunes and a woody note reminiscent of a hollowed out log. I have to say…after some time (Day 3), it’s just the slightest bit mousy...showing some volatility too…but well within my acceptable range for it. Finishes long, lasting well over a minute. Savory. A tremendous wine with a very Old World (Ancient) sensibility. The best vintage of “Hochar” I have had to date? To my taste, yes.
Popped and poured; consumed over three days. The 2017 Musar “Hochar Pere et Fils” presents a deep garnet color with a near opaque core. Moderate staining of the tears. On the nose the wine is funky cherry accompanied by desiccated strawberry, leather, damp earth, espresso, baking chocolate, and some exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the fruit characteristics and non-fruit characteristics whilst adding a licorice, prunes and a woody note reminiscent of a hollowed out log. I have to say…after some time (Day 3), it’s just the slightest bit mousy...showing some volatility too…but well within my acceptable range for it. Finishes long, lasting well over a minute. Savory. A tremendous wine with a very Old World (Ancient) sensibility. The best vintage of “Hochar” I have had to date? To my taste, yes.
Jun 1st, 2022
In stark contrast with the rather polished and fruity Margaret River Bordeaux blend, this was all rustic and savoury. Sure under that veneer of volatile acidity and strong leather aromas, lied some nervy black cherries with lovely cedar-spice and licorice, yet in typical Musar manner, most in the group found this difficult to drink. I believe it's the combination of grainy tannic structure plus VA-derived vinegar aromas and umeshu-like twang in this finish that threw most off. I, on the other hand, found it quite compelling.
In stark contrast with the rather polished and fruity Margaret River Bordeaux blend, this was all rustic and savoury. Sure under that veneer of volatile acidity and strong leather aromas, lied some nervy black cherries with lovely cedar-spice and licorice, yet in typical Musar manner, most in the group found this difficult to drink. I believe it's the combination of grainy tannic structure plus VA-derived vinegar aromas and umeshu-like twang in this finish that threw most off. I, on the other hand, found it quite compelling.
Feb 27th, 2022
Spicey notes of rosemary, thyme, clove with cherry and plum fruits.
Spicey notes of rosemary, thyme, clove with cherry and plum fruits.
Feb 17th, 2023
I normally say “leave it to those Italians” but let me add in those Lebanese!! This 2017 blend is exquisite - starting with a luscious crimson garnet color followed by succulent aromas of cherries, dates, fig, and a hint of plum. Carefully aged this wine brings out flashes of spices of cinnamon and thyme. This wine emotes balanced tannins and a medium body! Salute!
I normally say “leave it to those Italians” but let me add in those Lebanese!! This 2017 blend is exquisite - starting with a luscious crimson garnet color followed by succulent aromas of cherries, dates, fig, and a hint of plum. Carefully aged this wine brings out flashes of spices of cinnamon and thyme. This wine emotes balanced tannins and a medium body! Salute!
Aug 26th, 2022
My first Musar Rouge outside of the Jeune line is a step up in complexity. It's the aromatic push of acetone and greasy fruit roll-up that hits the upper registers of my nose. I love that. And its the structure too. Young, textured with pulp, grip of an iron fist. A little bit abrasive but something that can work its way through in a few years.
Flavors of cedar, pencil shavings, graphite, and iron rich bloody cherry juice. Worth stashing a few to see how this evolves.
My first Musar Rouge outside of the Jeune line is a step up in complexity. It's the aromatic push of acetone and greasy fruit roll-up that hits the upper registers of my nose. I love that. And its the structure too. Young, textured with pulp, grip of an iron fist. A little bit abrasive but something that can work its way through in a few years.
Flavors of cedar, pencil shavings, graphite, and iron rich bloody cherry juice. Worth stashing a few to see how this evolves.
After a short time to open up, this wine has everything. Fruit, spice, full body. Delicious and smooth.
After a short time to open up, this wine has everything. Fruit, spice, full body. Delicious and smooth.
Aug 30th, 2021
Dinner at Lebanese Taverna calls for a nice Lebanese wine.
Dinner at Lebanese Taverna calls for a nice Lebanese wine.
Jun 2nd, 2021
