Hochar Pere et Fils Red Cabernet Sauvignon Carignan Cinsault 2019 Bekaa Valley Lebanon 75cl

Hochar Pere et Fils is the second label of Chateau Musar, the celebrated Lebanese estate founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar and made famous by his son Serge. Where the flagship Musar red is built for the cellar, this wine is designed to be enjoyed younger, offering a friendly introduction to the estate’s style at a gentler price.

It comes from the same high vineyards in the Bekaa Valley, planted at close to 1,000 metres above sea level, and is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault. The altitude and the warm Lebanese sunshine give ripe, generous fruit while keeping a welcome freshness.

The 2019 is fragrant and deeply coloured, full of ripe, brambly fruit with black cherry, plum and blueberry on the nose and palate.

On the palate it is rounded and approachable, with a touch of spice and soft, easy tannins. It has enough character to be interesting and enough charm to be poured without ceremony.

This is the Musar family wine for everyday enjoyment. Serve it with roast meats, grilled vegetables, tomato-based pasta or a midweek supper, lightly chilled on a warmer evening if you like. It also makes an easy first step for anyone curious about Lebanese wine.