Technical Specifications
Alcohol 14.0%
Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cinsault
Carignan
Region Bekaa Valley
Harvest Dates September 22 - October 13
Fermentation Vessels Concrete Tank
Natural Yeast Yes
Oak Types French Nevers
Bottling Date 2014
Unfined Yes
Unfiltered Yes
Production Details The harvest of 2011 was one of the most challenging experiences in winemaking at Chateau Musar over the last 20 years, and one of the most untypical years in Lebanese history. The year began with a cold January but with insufficient rain. February proved similar with March being sunnier, but April and May produced a big surprise with a level of rainfall to match January, February and March combined. The main result of the rain was very late maturation, with flowering occurring 25 days later than usual. This delay continued over the maturation period and up to the harvesting day. The first Carignan was harvested on September 22nd, and then on the 23rd it rained for three days, with the Carignan and Cinsault not yet harvested. The Carignan resisted the rain but the Cinsault was more affected. The harvest was finally completed on October 13th, which, with the exception of the 1983 vintage, was the latest in the company's history. Natural yeast fermentation occurred in concrete tanks. The wine was racked after 6 months, then spent a year in French Nevers oak barrels. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered in 2014 and released in the spring of 2018.
Tasting Notes
Nose: fragrant fruit, mulberries, black cherries, plums, mocha, dustiness
Palate: full, intense, concentrated, black forest-fruits, elegant spice, soft tannins, juicy tannins, long finish
Food Pairing red meats, game, seasonal casseroles, mature cheeses