“The new vintage, released this spring, is right up to standard. It is rich and fruity with cedary undertones and a deep, dark maturity. It is quite unmistakable.” – Simon Hoggart, ‘The Spectator’.

Chateau Musar 2003 is purple/ruby colour, with some overtones of stewed fruits, blackcurrant, and spice. It is medium full on the palate, with hints of garrigue spice, damsons and dark cherry, with medium grain tannins and vibrant acidity.

Goes well with stews, casseroles, game and cheeses.

The 2003 Chateau Musar is made from a blend of grape varieties, principally: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan. The 2003 harvest was a unique and two words sum it up - Alcohol and Acidity - with the wine rich with both.  The year started with the rainiest winter in 15 years, followed by a dry spring with no rain from April onwards, leading onto a summer that was hot and sunny throughout. In May when the flowering commenced, a 10 day heatwave reduced the harvest by about 30%, leading to an increase in the concentration of sugar and acidity of the grapes. The first indications, even at the racking stage, were that the 2003 Musar vintage would be full bodied, powerful with great length. Now, eight years later, this has been confirmed with the 2003 being a classic.

History of Chateau Musar 

Gaston Hochar created Château Musar in 1930 in the cellars of the old 17^th century 'Mzar' castle in Ghazir, overlooking the Mediterranean sea, using the experience he had gained from time spent in the vineyards of France.  What began as a hobby became a passion; with Gaston being inspired by an encounter with renowned viticulturist Ronald Barton while he was stationed in Lebanon during the Second World War. In 1959, the eldest son, Serge, entered the business, and became the man behind this exceptional wine.

The vineyards of Château Musar are located at 1,000 meters in the Bekaa Valley where they are sheltered by the surrounding mountains running parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The 180 hectares produces a limited yield of about 35 hl/ha. The Bekaa Valley is almost frost and disease free, with long mild summers, rainy winters (500mm rainfall annually), and an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius perfect for growing these classic wines.