2023 Massaya - Terrasses de Baalbeck Grenache-Mourvedre-Syrah Bekaa Valley (750ml)

Massaya was founded by brothers Sami and Ramzi Ghosn in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, in collaboration with Frédéric and Daniel Brunier of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe and Dominique Hebrard, formerly of Château Cheval Blanc. The name means twilight in Lebanese, a nod to the hour when the sun sets behind Mount Lebanon and the Beqaa sky turns deep blue.

Terrasses de Baalbeck takes its name from the terraced vineyards that overlook the Roman town of Baalbek, planted on chalky clay soils at more than 1,000 meters of elevation. Farming follows biodynamic practices. Grapes are picked by hand, sorted on tables, and fully destemmed. The blend of 40 percent Grenache Noir and 30 percent each of Syrah and Mourvèdre ferments for 20 to 30 days in temperature-controlled oak vats, then matures for 20 to 22 months in large oak vats. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Medium ruby in color, the wine shows fresh Mediterranean scrubland, red cherry, dried herbs, and a hint of dried jujube. Spice and blackberry add depth on the palate, framed by fine tannins and a long, fresh finish. Southern Rhône in spirit, it balances elegance with a savory, sun-warmed richness.