Bekaa Valley Red 2019

This Lebanese red is Château Musar’s flagship, the wine that put the Bekaa Valley on the world map. The estate was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, and Musar holds its grand vin until it’s ready to drink, usually about seven years after harvest.

2019 was an unusual year. Record winter rains topped 1,000 mm, well above the normal 400 to 600 mm, and ended several years of drought. Cold, wet soils pushed budburst back 10 to 15 days, and a mild spring set up a promising harvest. The blend is equal parts Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carignan. Each grape ferments on native yeasts in concrete, then the wine ages a year in French oak and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. It’s dark blood red, with blueberry, cranberry, blackcurrant, black olive, and clove on the nose. The palate brings cherry, plum, spice, and black pepper, with good acidity and fine tannins.

It’s ready to drink now and has excellent aging potential. Decant it and serve with lamb or roast beef.