2022 Chateau Aurora - Red Batroun District (750ml)

Aurora is a boutique family winery in the village of Rachkidde, in Lebanon's Batroun District, founded in 2002 by the Geara family. The Gearas had grown vines for generations before 2002 marked the start of their winemaking journey. Production is tiny, roughly 10,000 bottles a year from just a few hectares of vineyard.

The mountain vineyards sit at about 850 meters above sea level, surrounded by olive and oak hills and overlooking the Jawz River and the Mediterranean Sea. The 2022 Château is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, aged in oak. The result is a dry, full-bodied red with medium acidity and firm tannins, made in the cool heights of northern Lebanon rather than the better-known Bekaa Valley.

Dense in color with purple reflections, the wine shows black fruit and matured red fruit on the nose, along with mocha and caramel from its time in oak. The palate is well balanced between acidity and complexity, with a rounded mouthfeel and strong tannins that provide structure. Notes of mint and fresh green herbs appear on the finish.