Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
Cabernet Sauvignon33.3%
Cinsault33.3%
Carignan33.3%
Drinking Window 2020-2035
Region Bekaa Valley
Soil Gravel and limestone
Harvest Dates September 18, 2005
Estate Grown Yes
Fermentation Vessels Concrete, Oak Barrel
Oak Aging 12 months
Oak Types French Oak
Barrel Size 225L
Serving Temperature 16-18°C · 61-64°F
Closure Cork
Production Details Grapes hand-picked and arrived at the winery on 18th September 2005, harvesting delayed by about 10 days due to humidity and low temperatures. Medium alcohol content and high acidity recorded at arrival. Fermentation temperatures never exceeded 30°C. Wines spent 9 months in cement vats, then 1 year in French Nevers oak barrels. Final blend of approximately one-third each Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan rested another 9 months in vats before bottling. Stored in Chateau Musar cellars at Ghazir. Released spring 2012. 2005 was an unusual weather year in Lebanon – unequalled in 38 years: rain and snow throughout January to mid-February, rain in March and April, then humid but mild weather from May through September with one unusual day of rain on 23rd July.
Tasting Notes
Nose: black fruits, toasted bread, dark chocolate, cigar box, smoky, spicy
Palate: cherries, blackcurrants, prunes, dark chocolate, fresh tea leaves, velvety tannins
Food Pairing heritage beetroot carpaccio with goats cheese, duck fat poached sturgeon with sweetbreads, bacon wrapped iberico pork loin, grilled lamb, game, spicy cheeses
Critics Ratings Wine & Spirits: 93
Wine & Spirits93
Wilfred Wong (Wine.com)91