2021 Chateau Musar - Hochar Bekaa Valley (750ml)

Hochar Père et Fils is often described as the "second" wine of Chateau Musar, sourced from a single vineyard near the village of Aana in Lebanon's Western Bekaa Valley. The vineyard sits at roughly 1,000 meters above sea level, characterized by deep, gravelly soil over a limestone base. The vines average 30 years old and yield low, concentrated fruit at just 20 to 30 hectoliters per hectare. Since the 1960s, the Hochar family's remote location and environmental commitment have kept the vineyards organic, with the estate earning formal organic certification in 2006.

The grapes ferment at 27-29°C with 15 to 20 days of maceration in cement vats, followed by six months in French Nevers oak, before blending and bottling unfined and unfiltered. Like the flagship Chateau Musar Red, the wine is blended to reflect the specific character of each vintage, and is typically released around four to five years after harvest to allow for bottle maturation.

Expect a dark ruby color with cherry fruit, sweet spice, and a touch of smokiness on the nose. Cherries and blackcurrant follow through on the palate, with a hint of rose lifted by the Grenache component.

This is a versatile, food-friendly red suited to beef, lamb, game, or cured meats.