Chateau Musar Rouge 2018
(Bekaa Valley, Lebanon) - [VM 91]

About the Wine:
2018 began with an impressive 355mm of rain and snow in January, while February was also abundant with 162mm of rain to irrigate the soils. March followed with 41mm and April, with 27mm, was the icing on the cake; after the 15th of April, a surprise increase in temperature encouraged the vines to open. May & June were exceptional as 52mm and 32mm of rain fell during the blooming period, the vines loved the additional water and the harvest certainly looked promising. July was true to form with no water and temperatures increased to an average of 35 degrees Celsius. Then in August we had a
3-day heatwave with temperatures of 39 and 40 degrees. Cinsault was harvested on the 4th of September and what a surprise… the grapes were dried with high sugar content. This is the first time we have experienced this from our Cinsault vineyards and showed us that nothing can be taken for granted; no grape can escape changing climatic conditions, each year is different and unique.

Grape Varietals: An equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan

Winemaking: Each varietal was fermented with their natural yeasts in concrete vats, then aged for 12 months in French Nevers oak barrels before blending in January 2021. Fermentation of the red grapes this year was challenging: Cabernet Sauvignon was first due to the earlier harvest date and was easy to manage, while Cinsault and Carignan needed more attention with their fermentations closely monitored to finish the last gram of grape sugar. Malolactic fermentations for these two grapes were still pending 3 months after the beginning of the harvest as a reminder of the very delicate fermentation and
exceptional Cinsault behavior. This vintage was bottled, without fining or filtration, during the summer months of July and August 2021.

Tasting Notes:
The 2018 vintage has a deep garnet colour in the glass with dried cherries and mature red fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with cranberries, raisins, and dates; there is good acidity with fine tannins. It has an enticing smoky, dusty fruit with soft liquorice undertones and at 6 years of age upon release, it is already developed and mature.

Alcohol 13.5%

Ratings & Reviews:

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Château Musar opens with candied red fruits, white mushrooms, leather and spicy nuances. Medium- to full-bodied, moderately concentrated and round, the 2018 is a delightful Musar. A touch of heat emerges on the savoury finale."