1998 Château Musar Rouge, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

ABOUT THIS WINE:

Fermentation progressed smoothly, although slightly quicker than usual, maceration was up to four weeks. The wines were racked into French Nevers oak casks in August 1999 and aged for twelve months, then blended in September 2000 and bottled in August 2001.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER:

Founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930, Chateau Musar is Lebanon's premier estate. This 371 acre property is located in the Bekaa Valley, 15 miles north of Beirut in Ghazir. The Houchars cultivate indigenous and international varietals – Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache as well as Obaideh (a native of Chardonnay), Merwah (a native variant of Semillon), Chardonnay, Viognier and Vermentino. The vineyards are planted on a limestone bed with gravelly top soils and are certified organic by the Mediterranean Institute of Certification (IMC). The white vines are 100–150 years old and planted at 4,000 feet, the reds at 3,280 feet. The altitude and the Mediterranean climate serve to lengthen the ripening process which helps produce fruit of superior quality.