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The legendary Lafite of Lebanon
Think Bordeaux meets Arabian Nights, Chateau Musar's indulgent, sensuous flavours make it an unforgettable experience. It is also a testament to winemaking passion, dedication and bravery in the face of a 15-year civil war.
Chateau Musar is a bewitching creation that continues to cast a spell over many a wine lover, but by rights this 'Lafite of Lebanon' should not even exist.
Where some wineries find dealing with excess rainfall a challenge, Chateau Musar once had to contend with hailstorms of shrapnel. It stands just 15 kilometres north of Beirut, which was ravaged by civil war from 1975 to 1990. Incredibly, during that time only two vintages were missed, largely thanks to one man... the great Serge Hochar (shown left).
Decanter's first Man of the Year in 1984, he sadly passed away in 2015, but his legacy lives on in this masterful red... and so do the many stories about his remakable life. Once when shells rocked his Beirut apartment he refused to go down to the bomb shelter. Instead he opened a bottle of a favourite Musar vintage and settled down with a good book. By the time the shelling had finished hours later his apartment still stood and the bottle was empty.
Management and winemaking is now in the safe hands of Serge's two sons Marc and Gaston. But thanks to their gifted father, who was keen to create a more natural wine long before it became fashionable, Chateau Musar looks set to remain unchanged for some time.
Although made with Bordeaux grape varietals, Chateau Musar is no claret clone. Wines have been created and enjoyed in the region for 6000 years. It is thought these ancient soils give Musar its seductive exotic aromas and the edge of warm spice to the succulent layers of ripe plum, cherry and blackcurrant.
For perfect food matches, it's hard to go wrong. This is a gorgeous match with spiced sausages or a rib-eye steak, but is particularly excellent with Middle Eastern cuisine or herb-laden Mediterranean dishes.
We're delighted to be able to bring you this Eastern jewel, but due to high demand we strongly advise that you stock up while you can. Ordering by the case will also allow you to savour this marvel as it evolves. Glorious now, Chateau Musar's hedonistic flavours will mellow over time and become more graceful like the finest Bordeaux. Don't miss it.
