Ellis of Richmond

Wine List

Chateau Musar 2005

Country
Lebanon
Region
Bekaa Valley
Producer
Chateau Musar
Grape(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon (34%)
Carignan (33%)
Cinsault (33%)
Type
Red
Style
Complex
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Alcohol Content (%)
14
Closure Style
Cork
Organic / Biodynamic
Normal

Region

The Bekaa is a fertile valley in Lebanon, located about 30 km (19 miles) east of Beirut. The valley is situated between the Mount Lebanon to the west and the Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges to the east. It forms the northeastern most extension of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from Syria through the Red Sea into Africa. Bekaa Valley is about 120 km (about 75 miles) in length and has an average width of about 16 km (about 10 miles). It has a Mediterranean climate of wet, often snowy winters and dry, warm summers. The region receives limited rainfall, particularly in the north, because Mount Lebanon creates a rain shadow that blocks precipitation coming from the sea. Two rivers originate in the valley. the Orontes (Asi), which flows north into Syria and Turkey, and the Litani, which flows south and then west to the Mediterranean Sea. The Bekaa Valley vineyards are at an altitude of 1,000 meters, where the vines are sheltered by the surrounding mountains, resulting in an almost frost free climate with long mild summers and damp winters.

Producer

Chateau Musar was created in 1930 in the cellars of the 17th century `Mzar` castle by Gaston Hochar. The house is renowned for red wines of complexity and maturity, having been aged in oak for up to 15 months, and then aged in bottle for 4 years. They are a blend of Cabernet, Cinsault and Carignan, the blend varying from year to year, resulting in different character and identity.

Tasting (Long)

Serge Hochar put Bekaa valley and Lebanese wines on the map in the 70`s and 80`s . Made from a blend of Cabernet, Cinsault and Carignan they are blended to produce a Bordeaux style red but with a meditterranean typicity. Released when ready for drinking it is relatively pale in colour but with classic sweet cedary aromas beautifully balanced with a complex fruitiness and smooth lingering graceful finish.

Tasting (Short)

Relatively pale in colour but with classic sweet cedary aromas beautifully balanced with a complex fruitiness and smooth lingering graceful finish.

Food

Rich meats stews, roast venison and slow cooked lamb shank.

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Drink Type
Red
Grape
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Carignan
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Region
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Style
Complex
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