Wine in Bekaa Valley

The 2004 Chateau Musar is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault. This is a rather civilized, laid back Musar... Its balance, combining the nice fruit, elegant mid-palate, persistent finish and backbone, gives it a tightly wound, precise and focused demeanor. The tannins are not completely integrated, but not overly hard. They provided some welcome grip and vibrancy and never overwhelmed the wine. In the long run, they should serve this wine in good stead. Overall, it is an exceptionally graceful, somewhat modern and restrained Musar, bright, with that silky texture I saw in the Hochar reviewed this issue, while adding those layers of concentration. The cherry on top is the intensity of fruit flavor – bursts of delicious and juicy fruit on the finish, admittedly nuanced by some of the gamey notes I see here so often. Call it raspberry flavored, though, because the fruit is delicious. The gamey notes were in fact moderate and, at least for my taste, not an issue. As this rather subtle Musar aired out, I liked it more and more. I’ve had Musars that were bigger, burlier, more rustic and more astringent. Here, the subtle start was unremarkable, but it gathered steam, showed remarkable finesse and then won me over. This will certainly do better with food. Drink now-2021.

Blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon from various vineyards in the region. No oak used so aromas of red and black fruit come through and slight spice notes. Nice balance of dark fruit, spice and soft tannins on the palate with integrated acidity to keep it fresh through the finish. Organic.

This attractive golden color, reveal a crisp taste of peach and honey with hints of citrus fruits. Most faithful to fish, shellfish and cheese.

Les Bretèches Blanc is a fresh wine marked by Muscat à Petits Grains, a noble grape variety planted in the Bekaa Valley that expresses the Lebanese terroir. With a nose of white flowers, Les Bretèches combines intense refreshing notes of exotic fruits and citrus on the palate.

Pale lemon in colour with fruity and herby aromas of apricots, white peaches, pears, honeysuckle and elderflower. The grapes were very fragrant and vibrant in 2013 which has resulted in an aromatic wine with a hint of nuttiness on the rich, textured palate with gentle acidity and a peachy finish. A wine to enjoy in its youth. Food Pairings: Best served gently chilled with lightly spiced dishes such as teriyaki glazed salmon, satay chicken and Lebanese mezze.

This wine seduces with its finesse, elegance and floral aroma. On the palate, it is soft, fresh and long lasting.

This is a dry, lighter-coloured, serious Rosé, best enjoyed with food. Smooth and rounded, it has raspberry, almond and red appleskin aromas and a warm finish.

Made from Cabernet Franc and Syrah, it has a spicy flavour and a powerful nose of red berries. Matches perfectly with a beautiful sunset.

Les Bretèches Rosé is a fresh and light wine, bearing a limpid and pale pink robe. This charming and pleasant rosé, particularly marked by Cinsaut, offers a nose of red fruits and citrus smoothly merging on the palate.