Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
150cl * 14% ABV * Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
The 2013 harvest at Chateau Musar could be summarised in one word – elegance! A dense deep red with our characteristic sweet-savoury-spicy blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tastings from the vats in the winter of 2013, revealed elegance and roundness with a spice-dominant palate – liquorice, clove, cinnamon with a warm coulis of red fruits. There are raspberries and blueberries on the palate, integrated and balanced with fine tannin, no sense of Cabernet Sauvignon here, a more Cinsault dominated vintage with softer red fruits.
After careful decanting (and discarding of sediment, usually in the last centimetre of the bottle) the wine should be allowed to breathe for at least an hour and served at 18°C with roasts, grills (especially lamb), casseroles, game, and mature cheeses.
Marvellously warm Mediterranean fruits on the nose, would be autumnal but for their vigorous presence, as rich and robust as expected on the palate, almost the essence of Lebanon in the glass with rich spice and cooling breezes, the dry herby fruit flows with energy over the palate before giving way to a finish that confirms the structure, fruit and tannins blending in exuberantly with intriguing hints of much more to come in the next decade - Steven Spurrier, January 2020
…one of the best young Musars we have tasted. Already drinkable for its richness and sweet fruit, but don't underestimate its ability age: this has 3 decades of development ahead of it – Richard Ballantyne MW, April 2020
…it stands out this year in a more Rhône-like style with the soft, fleshy character of Cinsault taking the lead role. It is flamboyant and exuberant with a lovely balance of fine tannin and acidity which lifts the wine’s ripe, exotic flavour – The Wine Society, May 2020
This wine needs vigorous decanting otherwise it appears reduced. It shows evidence of French oak ageing: notes of vanilla with a cedar touch along with the plum fruit. Slightly meaty flavours suggest development. Amazingly balanced, with some volatile acidity providing additional freshness. With time it picks up hints of liquorice like an old Hermitage. Impressive volume yet a suave touch – a classic Musar! – Pedro Ballesteros MW, Decanter Magazine, June 2020