Today we have a rare treat (make that two!) from a region that not many might associate with fine wines, but has been home to one of the greatest wine icons in the world…

Château Musar was founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930 after returning from Bordeaux from which he originally planned to study medicine. Not many might know this but Major Ronald Barton of Château Léoville Barton and Langoa-Barton, who happened to be stationed in Lebanon during the Second World War, got to befriend Gaston Hochar and actually had a hand in influencing the Musar style in its early years!

Musar continued its slow and steady rise and even as the country went through a civil war that lasted over 20 years, work at Musar continued as local Bedouin pickers harvested grapes in between barrages of artillery shelling, demonstrating resilience rivalled by few!

Wines of Musar are known to possess impressive ageability perfectly demonstrated by the Musar 2000 that we are pleased to offer today. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan, the 2000 Musar demonstrates “exceptional concentration, structure and balance” while offering “cassis and plums and a plume of smoke, earth and barnyard funk” (Anna Lee C. Iijima, Wine Enthusiast). Mark Squires of Wine Advocate affirms that Chateau Musar has “certainly has an upside that few wines in this region have”, noting how the 2000 Musar “evolved beautifully in the glass”.

To complement the 2000 Musar, we also have the Musar White 2014 that is a blend of 60% Obaideh and 40% Merwah, both indigenous varieties grown at altitudes of over 1,000 meters above sea level – altitudes that are crucial in keeping the grapes away from the warm valley floor and preserving freshness in the grapes. The Merwah was fermented on lees in oak barrels while the Obaideh was fermented in stainless steel vats. After blending, the Musar White 2014 was released only last year after a total of 7 years of maturation.

The result is a full-bodied white that has “fresh acidity and a saline edge”, complemented by “a complex aroma of beeswax, orange peel and a delicate savoury character” – a profile guaranteed to surprise in the next blind tasting!

For their age, both the Musar 2000 and the Musar White 2014 are incredibly affordable and a case or two of each will make great additions to any cellar!