Chateau Musar, Red 2017

Seller: Mhilge 5

2017 Chateau Musar

Château Musar Red 2017 is an elegant, Cinsault-led vintage from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley—more polished and balanced than overtly powerful, with classic Musar savoury complexity. It is drinking well now and should continue to develop to around 2035. What’s in the bottle Blend: Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan; 14% alcohol. Character: Earth, spice, tobacco, cedar and savoury herbs, with ripe red/black fruit, fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Vintage profile: A hot, dry growing season reduced yields; the resulting wine is described as elegant, integrated and balanced, with softer red fruit and a Cinsault-dominant profile. Drinking window The Wine Society: now to 2035. Antonio Galloni: 90 points, anticipated maturity 2021–2029; he recommends opening it one to two hours ahead because the tannins can feel grainy initially. Practical advice: Decant for 1–2 hours, or open early and let it evolve in the glass; Musar often improves markedly after air. Food pairings Its savoury, spicy profile suits: Lamb—especially slow-roasted shoulder, kofta or herbed grilled lamb Middle Eastern mezze with aubergine, tahini, sumac and grilled meats Aged hard cheeses, mushroom dishes, and duck or game Avoid very delicate fish or aggressively chilli-hot dishes, which can overwhelm its nuances. UK buying snapshot Format Indicative price Notes 75cl red £42.95–£50.28 Retail availability varies; The Wine Society lists it as sold out. 150cl £110 duty paid Nickolls & Perks lists a magnum; magnums should age more slowly and gracefully. 37.5cl £24 duty paid Listed by Nickolls & Perks. Verdict 2017 is a very good Musar to drink over the next 5–10 years rather than a long-hold-only vintage. Buy a magnum if you want the most compelling expression and slower evolution; otherwise, a 75cl is ready for a well-decanted dinner now.