Chateau Musar Blanc 2018

Unique in the world of fine wine, Lebanon-based Château Musar seems to consistently eschew the vagaries of vintage variation, fashions promoted by critics and inexplicable price ‘repositioning’. Probably for these reasons, and many others, it remains a firm favourite with our customers, inspiring a fiercely loyal following.

Musar's red is the better known wine, but their white is equally distinctive and long-lived. A blend of ancient Lebanese grape varieties (Obaideh and Merwah), it undergoes a complex ageing process before release at 7 years of age that makes it truly unique.

There is much to enjoy here for lovers of Viña Gravonia and Tondonia alike. The hot, dry 2018 vintage shows in the wine’s more developed, oxidative notes — think roasted nuts, caramel and dried fruit — yet these are beautifully balanced by refreshing acidity and moderate alcohol. The result is a hedonistic, ready-to-drink expression of this superb cuvée.

17/20 - Deep gold. Heady and fascinating. Really rich and unusual on the nose and finishes much drier than the nose suggests. Something akin to high-toned furniture polish and nuts and a broad impact on the palate. Thoroughly distinctive; thoroughly satisfying; thoroughly recommendable – except to those who want to stick to stereotypes. Amazing amount of complex fruit despite the low alcohol. - Jancis Robinson MW