In Bond Fine Wine. 2018 Musar, Lebanon, Lebanon. Red lebanon in 12x37.5cl. Top critic score: 91/100 (NG). Drinking window: 2023–2029. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Musar Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault from vineyards near the Bekaa Valley villages of Aana and Kefraya on gravelly soils over limestone. Planted from the 1930s onwards, yields are low from these mature bushvines (average age: 40 years): Between 15 to 35hl per hectare. Often referred to as 'the Lafite of Lebanon', each vintage from this iconic estate has its own distinct character owing to a minimal intervention approach. These are wines with a remarkable ageing ability that require additional time in bottle to show their full potential. The best vintages are comparable to beautifully aged Bordeaux but are available at a fraction of the price.
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 17/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 2025-10-15 · Drink 2023 - 2029
Famous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan aged for six years before release. Transparent bright ruby shading to a water-white rim. Super-exotic and warmly Mediterranean. Gamey but not bretty. The elements are very nicely melded and the nose, palate and (dry) finish all seem really fresh. Not sure it’s a very long distance runner. But I love the combination of ripeness and freshnes…
Nicolas Greinacher (NG) — 91/100 · Vinous, 2025-04-09 · Drink 2025-2029
The 2018 Château Musar opens with candied red fruits, white mushrooms, leather and spicy nuances. Medium- to full-bodied, moderately concentrated and round, the 2018 is a delightful Musar. A touch of heat emerges on the savoury finale.