Chateau Musar, Red 2018
Product Information
Country Lebanon
Region Bekka Valley
Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
Vintage 2018
ABV 14%
Chateau Musar Red 2018
Experience the refined elegance of Chateau Musar Red 2018, a distinguished Lebanese wine crafted in the Bekaa Valley. This iconic red blend is perfect for wine collectors and enthusiasts, highlighting the unique terroir and expert winemaking of Lebanon.
Vintage Highlights
The 2018 Harvest in the Bekaa Valley
The 2018 season started with heavy rainfall and snow, soaking vineyard soils for healthy vine growth. Spring’s moderate rains encouraged strong budding, followed by a warm April that boosted development. A hot, dry summer with highs near 40°C concentrated the grapes’ flavours. Harvest began on September 4th with sun-dried, sugar-rich Cinsault grapes, a rare and exciting feature of this vintage.
Grape Varietals & Production
Chateau Musar Red 2018 is a carefully balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan. Each grape variety was fermented separately with natural yeasts in traditional concrete vats. The wine matured for 12 months in French Nevers oak barrels before blending in early 2021. This vintage underwent slow malolactic fermentation, preserving its delicate complexity. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in summer 2021, it retains its authentic character.
Tasting Notes
Enjoy a deep garnet wine bursting with aromas of dried cherries and ripe red fruits. The palate is rich and layered with Flavours of cranberries, dates, and raisins, complemented by subtle smokiness, dusty fruit, and soft liquorice. Fine tannins and lively acidity create a long, elegant finish.
Why Choose Chateau Musar Red 2018?
• Celebrated Lebanese red wine with international recognition.
• Fully matured and ready to enjoy now, with further ageing potential.
• Perfect gift or addition to special dinners
Discover Chateau Musar – Premium Lebanese Organic Wines from Bekaa Valley
Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, Chateau Musar draws inspiration from Lebanon’s rich 6,000-year winemaking heritage and classic Bordeaux traditions. The Hochar family, of French Crusader descent since the 12th century, has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for fine wine. Gaston Hochar began crafting his renowned “wines with noblesse” during the 1920s, impressing French military officers with his exceptional vintages under the League of Nations mandate in Lebanon and Syria.
A unique bond between Chateau Musar and Bordeaux was forged during World War II when Major Ronald Barton of Château Langoa-Barton befriended Gaston Hochar, strengthening the legacy of Lebanese Bordeaux-style wines. This connection paved the way for the next generation when Serge Hochar, Gaston’s eldest son, studied oenology under Emile Peynaud at Bordeaux University. In 1959, Serge took the helm as Chateau Musar’s winemaker, dedicating 18 years to perfecting the iconic red blend that would become a symbol of Lebanese wine excellence.
Despite Lebanon’s Civil War from 1975 to 1990, Serge Hochar’s unwavering commitment earned him Decanter Magazine’s first-ever ‘Man of the Year’ award in 1984. Today, Chateau Musar thrives under the leadership of the third generation, with brothers Gaston and Marc Hochar managing winery operations and global commercial growth, respectively. Alongside them, Ronald Hochar brings his expertise in law and logistics, ensuring the family legacy continues.
Chateau Musar wines are crafted using organically grown indigenous grapes from high-altitude vineyards (1,000 meters) in Lebanon’s famed Bekaa Valley. The winery follows a non-interventionist winemaking philosophy, producing complex, elegant red blends, and whites renowned worldwide for their exceptional ageing potential and unique terroir expression.
Explore our exclusive collection of organic Lebanese wines, including Chateau Musar’s legendary red blends and white wines, and experience the historic flavours of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
