2013 Chateau Musar Red Lebanon

Winery Notes

Overview The 2013 harvest at Chateau Musar could be summarised in one word – elegance. Rain and snowfall during the winter of 2012/13 was higher than in previous years, a welcome change after many years of poor rainfall. April was cooler than usual and in May, the vineyards were exceptionally green due to the combination of the winter and spring weather. Flowering was successful and yields were healthy but we experienced a week of intense heat in late August which resulted in high sugar contents of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan – the only red variety that did not react to the climatic changes was the Cinsault which was harvested last on the 27th September.

Grape Varietals

An equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan

Winemaking

The red fermentation process was unbelievably slow this year, something never seen before. Fermentation temperatures did not exceed 29°C and some vats needed no temperature control. On the other hand, malolactic fermentation was completed surprisingly quickly, the two fermentations seemingly working in opposite directions. Aged in French Nevers oak barrels for one year, blended in the spring of 2016, the 2013 vintage was bottled during the summer of 2016. Vintage release – 2020.

Tasting Notes

A dense deep red with our characteristic sweet/savoury/spicy blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tastings from the vats in the winter of 2013, revealed elegance and roundness with a spice-dominant palate – liquorice, clove, cinnamon with a warm coulis of red fruits. There are raspberries and blueberries on the palate, this is an elegant vintage, integrated and balanced with fine tannin. No sense of Cabernet Sauvignon here, a more Cinsault dominated vintage with softer red fruits