Chateau Musar
Marc Hochar
East Wing Office, Earsham Hall
GB - NR35 2AN Bungay
Suffolk
+441508482733
info@chateaumusar.co.uk
www.chateaumusar.com
Certification:
CCBP Organic certification for Vineyards
Wine-growing region:
Lebanon
Housed in an 18th-century castle in Ghazir, about 25 km north of Beirut, Chateau Musar was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, inspired by Lebanon’s 6,000-year winemaking tradition. The vines for the estate’s unique wines are located in the famed Bekaa Valley at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters, an area celebrated for its viticulture since Biblical times. The vineyards’ remote location, coupled with the Hochar family’s respect for the environment, resulted in Chateau Musar’s vineyards being the first to receive organic certified in Lebanon in 2006. The wines of Chateau Musar have been produced with a ‘non-interventionist’ winemaking philosophy since the 1960s.
Chateau Musar first achieved international recognition during the Bristol Wine Fair in England in 1979, where the wine press and prominent critics, including Michael Broadbent, declared it "the discovery of the fair." In 1984, Decanter wine magazine named Serge Hochar their first ever "Wine Personality of the Year." Today, Chateau Musar wines are known worldwide for their finesse, elegance, and extraordinary ability to age.
The late Serge Hochar used to say, "The harmony of nature is better than anything we could ever create. I believe it should be a priority to seek to drink what is 'true' rather than what is 'good.' I once produced a wine that was technically perfect but it lacked the charms of imperfection." The third generation, led by Gaston Hochar (Serge’s son), along with his brother Marc and cousin Ralph, have followed in the footsteps of their forefathers to continue and expand their legacy.
Retailers:
Velier spa
2018 Chateau Musar Red
Bekaa Valley - Lebanon
Cabernet Sauvigon, Carignan, Cinsault
Red wine
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.
2000 Chateau Musar Red
Bekaa Valley - Lebanon
Cabernet Sauvigon, Carignan, Cinsault
Red wine
Reasonably mature. Brick red rim, autumnal faded red bowl. Mouth-watering acidity on the nose that can be smelt a foot away.
Lovely aromas of damp autumn forests, decaying leaves and wood combine with a slightly chocolatey sweetness. A little spirit
developed over the course of the evening: almost a Drambuie or Grand Marnier character. Slightly sweet on the palate with very long, classic autumnal Musar notes, soft, mature and Old World, braced by that lovely acidity. Still full flavoured and crisp on its long, lingering aftertaste, finishing with notes of liquorice and sherbet
2018 Chateau Musar White
Bekaa Valley - Lebanon
Obeideh, Merwah
White wine
Fine lemon-gold, bright and fresh looking, which will develop as the wine ages over several decades - Chateau Musar
white vintages are known for their incredible ageing potential. Aromas of lemon and lime, oregano and pine, following
through to a zesty vibrant palate with pears, apples and fresh Mediterranean herbs. It is both youthful and complex with
long lasting flavours
2009 Chateau Musar White
Bekaa Valley - Lebanon
Obeideh, Merwah
White wine
Fine light gold in colour, clear and fresh-looking in its 15th year, yellow autumnal fruits, fresh herbs and dry honey on the nose, leading to a richly-textured palate tempered by a line of acidity that creates a dry finish while retaining a blossoming richness that places it firmly into the “grand vin” category for another decade at least of evolution.
2020 HOCHAR Pere et Fils
Bekaa Valley - Lebanon
Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon
Red wine
Deep burgundy in colour with transparent layers showing evidence of Grenache in the blend. Ripe red cherry fruit with
plums, dates, mulberries and tea leaves. It is Mediterranean on the palate with sweet tannins and spices. It becomes
even better and more refined a day after the bottle is opened. The red wines of 2020 are wines of taste and concentration
and the Hochar Red of this year is no exception
2021 Musar Jeune Red
Bekaa Valley - Lebanon
Cinsault, Syrrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Red wine
Deep purple beetroot colour with a nose and palate of more red fruits than black; strawberries and
cherries. Unoaked, with a savoury, earthy depth and a touch of spice and black pepper define the
2021 vintage. It is an elegant wine with layers of taste and lots of potential to age and develop from
its release in 2023
Join the community
