Château Musar 2016

In 1930, at just 20 years old, Gaston Hochar founded Chateau Musar, inspired by Lebanon's 6,000-year winemaking tradition and his travels in Bordeaux. His 'wines with noblesse' greatly impressed senior officers in the army following on from the French mandate of the 1920s. Major Ronald Barton, of Château Langoa-Barton, stationed in Lebanon during World War II became a great friend, strengthening the links between Chateau Musar and Bordeaux that remain to this day.

Serge Hochar, Gaston's eldest son trained as a civil engineer, then decided to study oenology and with the encouragement of his father became a student of Emile Peynaud at the University of Oenology in Bordeaux. Having declared to his father "I want to make the wine my way, I want it to be known world-wide - and I want you to quit!" he became Chateau Musar's winemaker in 1959, Gaston senior having graciously given way. He then spent 18 years perfecting the formula for Chateau Musar's Red and was selected as Decanter Magazine's first 'Man of the Year' in 1984 for his dedication to producing superb quality wines during Lebanon's Civil War (1975-1990).

Eye : The 2016 vintage is a deep ruby colour with a high viscosity.

Nose : Red cherries, plums, carob and figs dominate the nose with a hint of oriental spices.

Mouth : Kirsch and plums continue on the palate with blackcurrant and chocolate. The tannins are velvety and this wine has great depth and concentration of fruit with a long finish.