Château Musar Hochar 2020

Château Musar Hochar is the second wine of the Hochar family's celebrated Lebanese estate, made from organically grown Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha Tinta. The fruit comes from the high Bekaa Valley, with vineyards near Ghazir on limestone and gravel soils first cultivated by Phoenicians and Romans. The valley's altitude brings hot, dry, sunny days and markedly cool nights, a diurnal range that ripens the grapes fully while retaining acidity and freshness. Gaston Hochar trained in Bordeaux, and the house style reflects that schooling tempered by the Mediterranean climate and old bush vines. The wine is fermented and aged in oak, an approach that builds savoury complexity and softens the tannins while letting the fruit and terroir lead. The colour is medium ruby with garnet at the rim. The nose shows red berries and plum with dried herbs, leather, black pepper and a distinctly earthy, savoury edge. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and supple, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a long, herb tinged finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant for half an hour. It suits roast lamb, grilled meats and game.