Wine

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Lebanon

By Derek Smedley MW

Last updated

12/5/2011

Registered Office: Edward Parker Wines Ltd

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December 05, 2011 LEBANON

www.edwardparkerwines.co.uk | Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

Tasting notes from the following growers:

Contents

Adyar ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Domaine de Baal ............................................................................................................................. 6

Batroun Mountain Winery .............................................................................................................. 6

Château Bellevue ............................................................................................................................. 7

Coteaux de Botrys ........................................................................................................................... 8

Clos de Cana .................................................................................................................................... 9

Château Fakra ................................................................................................................................ 10

Heritage Winery ............................................................................................................................ 11

IXSIR ............................................................................................................................................... 11

Batroun .......................................................................................................................................... 11

Château Ka ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Karam Winery ................................................................................................................................ 15

Jezzine............................................................................................................................................ 15

Château Kefraya ............................................................................................................................ 18

Château Khoury ............................................................................................................................. 20

Krumna Winery.............................................................................................................................. 21

Château Ksara ................................................................................................................................ 22

Coteaux du Liban ........................................................................................................................... 27

Château Marsyas ........................................................................................................................... 28

Massaya ......................................................................................................................................... 29

Château Musar .............................................................................................................................. 32

Clos St Thomas .............................................................................................................................. 37

LEBANON December 05, 2011

3 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley | Edward Parker Wines Ltd

Domaine des Tourelles .................................................................................................................. 39

Domaine Wardy ............................................................................................................................. 42



Lebanon

05.12.11

Date & place of tasting in italics

Wine making in the Lebanon can be traced back to 7,000 BC making it one of the oldest wine

drinking countries in the world. As early as 3,000 BC they were bottling and shipping their

wines with ports such as Byblos, Sidon and Tyre spreading viticulture throughout the

Mediterranean. Things went into retreat in 1517 when Lebanon was absorbed into the

Ottoman Empire but in 1857 the Jesuit brothers in the Bekaa town of Zahle began

experimenting with French vines brought in from Algeria and laid the foundations not just of

Chateau Ksara but the whole industry. 1868 saw the founding of Domaine des Tourelles and

then with the end of World War 1 the arrival of the French started the industry that one sees

today. Chateau Musar was established in 1930 and this was only the start of many. Today

there are some 40 wineries ranging from large to very small producing some 7 million bottles.

It may appear small but it is significant and quality is increasing year on year.

Style is still influenced by monastic 19th

Century French pioneers who brought in grapes such

as Cinsault, Carignan and Grenache with today additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,

Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc giving a more international look. Perhaps Lebanon

real strength is in the red blends.

Adyar

Khifane

The Monastery project sells under the Adyar banner with eight monasteries now involved.

White Wines

Le Blanc de Kfifane 2010 90 2011-14

Viognier 100%

Tasted at the winery in the Lebanon November 2011

The nose has a mix of aromas with lots of white peach and apricot. The palate starts sweet with

some nice rich fruit but there is an underlying acidity that refreshes and brings out the peach

apricot mix on the finish.



Red Wines

Expression Monastique 2008 90 2011-16

Mourvèdre 40% (Quobbay) Syrah30% (Kfifane) Grenache 30% (Sir)


The fruit on the nose feels ripe filling it out and giving a supple richness on the palate. The red

fruits that tend to dominate are ripe lots of fleshy strawberry but there is an underlying red

cherry freshness that lightens the back palate and gives a more elegant feel to the finish.

Monastère de Kfifane Syrah 2007 91 2011-18

Syrah 100%


The nose is predominately black fruited but behind the bramble is sweeter strawberry which fills

out the mid palate. There is complexity towards the finish with black cherry underpinned by

redcurrant. The finish is quite sweet fruited and long.

Red Blend 2009 (from cask) 92 2013-18

Syrah Cabernet Franc Merlot from Richmaya & Chouf Monasteries


The nose is very complex with a herbal bramble character. Sweet damson plum enriches the

middle with some fresher spicy herbal bilberry and raspberry showing through on the finish.

Tempranillo 2009 (from cask) 93 2013-18


The rich ripe black fruits that fill out the nose are backed by fresher red, a lovely complex mix of

flavours. The palate has sweet fruit with an underlying freshness the layers of flavour giving lots

of complexity. Bramble and red cherry intermingle on the back palate with a lovely herbal

character coming through on the finish. It has real complexity.

Sangiovese 2008 94 2011-25


There is a mass of fruit on the nose lovely and lush. Black and red cherry fill out the palate their

ripeness giving a lush sumptuous fleshy richness in the middle. The tannins are ripe and rounded

helping the suppleness but towards the back there is freshness hedgerow fruit complexity.



Domaine de Baal

Zahlé Bekaa Valley

White Wines

Domaine de Baal White 2007 90 2011-14

Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc

Tasted in the Lebanon November 2011

Rich pineapple fills out the nose and gives weight on the start of the palate. Under the richness

there is a mix of citrus and mineral refreshing but the ripe fruit is there towards the back giving

weight on the finish.

Domaine de Baal White 2008 92 2011-14



The mix of citrus and apple gives freshness on both nose and palate. Richer greengage is there

on the mid palate and gives some weight towards the back but the finish is racy with lots of

fresher fruit and mineral.

Red Wines

Domaine de Baal Red 2007 93 2011-18

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Syrah


The mix of black fruits on the nose is ripe filling it out. Damson plum seems to dominate the

palate but behind is slightly firmer black cherry. The mid palate has a supple fleshy feel enriched

by dark chocolate and liquorice. The richness of the fruit is there on the finish lots of lush black

fruits.

Batroun Mountain Winery

Batroun

Rosé Wines

Rosé Royal 2010 88 2011-13


The nose is sweet with some rich strawberry and this sweetness comes through on the palate.

There is freshness towards the back but it lacks any real complexity.



Château Bellevue

Bhamdoun Village

White Wines

Petit Geste 2010 92 2011-14

Sauvignon Blanc Viognier


There are lots of flowers on the nose backed by white pepper a lovely spiciness. The palate is

citrus fresh the fruit backed by minerals giving a lovely racy freshness on the finish.

Red Wines

La Renaissance 2003 91 2011-17

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot


There is an intensity of fruit on the nose with lots of concentrated black fruits on the palate.

There is some freshness coming from the bilberry and black cherry but the intensity shown on

the nose is there on the finish.




The nose is packed with blackcurrant and black cherry and this mix of black fruits is very much to

the fore on the palate. The middle has the richness of damson plum with the sweetness

balanced by the tannins. The fruit lasts well on the finish.




There are lots of black fruits on the nose with the concentration of the black cherry and sloe

lightened by the freshness of the bilberry. Black plum enriches the middle supported by firm

tannins which need time to integrate.

Le Château 2006 94 2012-22

Cabernet Franc 50% Syrah 50%


There is an attractive herbal spiciness on the nose black fruited but with fresh bilberry and richer

black cherry all well integrated. The mid palate is sweet with ripe fruit rounded tannins all this

giving richness towards the back. The finish has herbal raciness and a lovely black pepper

spiciness.



Coteaux de Botrys

Eddé Batroun

White Wines

Prince Blanc 2009 88 2011-14

Marsanne Chardonnay Rolle


Rich greengage shows on the nose and gives weight on the palate. There is freshness

underneath with hints of citrus and apple but the richness of the fruit comes through towards

the back filling out the finish

Red Wines

Château des Anges Syrah 2007 88 2011-16


The nose is very fresh with lots of red fruits backed by the spice of black pepper. The palate has

the same red fruited dominance but the freshness is balanced by some mid sweetness and the

finish has a hint of spice.

Château des Anges Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 89 2011-17


There is good depth on the nose which is packed with cassis and black cherry lovely deep and

profound. Black cherries and cassis fill out the mid palate with the sweet fruit backed by a firmer

more structured character.

Mourvèdre 2007 89 2011-16


The nose has a racy herbal note with lots of red fruits underpinning. There is sweetness on the

palate still quite red fruit in character with herbal freshness showing towards the back and

giving some complexity.

Cuvée de L’Ange 2008 91 2011-19

Syrah Mourvedre Grenache


The red fruits on the nose have an underlying spicy black pepper character and the mix of

raspberry and red cherry is backed by rather sweeter blackberry. There is a lovely mix of

flavours towards the back giving lots of complexity and although the underlying tannins feel firm

they are ripe and not aggressive.



Cuvée de L’Ange 2009 90 2011-18

Syrah Mourvedre Grenache


The nose is lovely and sweet with ripe fruit giving richness and weight on the palate. Red and

black fruits intermingle with red cherry tending to dominate. Towards the back the feel is more

black fruit with their sweetness enriching the finish.

Clos de Cana

Ras el-Haref Mount Lebanon

The winery was founded in 2000 by Dr Fadi Georges acquiring vineyards on Mount Lebanon

overlooking the stunning Lamartine Valley just under the resort town of Bhamdoun. A mix of

Bordeaux, Rhône and Southern French grapes is giving some great results.

White Wines

Blanc de Cana 2010 87 2011-14

Meéssassi (ancestor of Chardonnay)


The pineapple on the nose is backed by citrus acidity. The mid palate has a green rather herbal

note with lots of crisp apple at the back.

Rosé Wines

Rosé de Cana 2010 88 2011-14

Cinsault Syrah Jeune (from young vines)


The raspberry and wild strawberry that are so much in evidence on both nose and palate are

backed by minerals and slate. The sweetness on the mid palate gives way to crispness at the

back.

Rosé de Cana 2011 (from tank) 89 2012-15

Cinsault Syrah Jeune (from young vines)


There is a lot of fruit showing on the nose quite rich strawberry and redcurrant backed by

vibrant raspberry. The fruit mix lasts well on the finish.



Red Wines

Château de Cana Rouge 2001 93 2011-16

Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot 40% Syrah 20%


Cassis and black cherry enrich the nose but behind are fresher black fruits lots of bilberry. The

mid palate is fleshy, quite supple but towards the back it is slightly firmer with a wild herbal

spiciness coming through towards the back

Rouge de Cana 2007 91 2011-14

Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Syrah Cinsault

Tasted in Stroud Hampshire August 2011

The black fruited mix on the nose is sweet all feeling ripe. The palate is lighter with some red

fruits coming through in the middle and there is a peppery spice about the back palate. The

richness of the blackcurrant shows on the finish.

Château de Cana 2003 93 2011-16



The nose has the fleshiness of ripe cassis lots of sweet ripe fruit. Black plum and dark chocolate

enrich the mid palate the black fruits backed by liquorice. There is enough black cherry and

bilberry to refresh but the finish has all the sweetness of the nose.

Château Fakra

Kfardebian Bekaa Valley

The winery was established in 1985 and has vineyards on the slopes of the Keserwan

Mountains.

White Wines

Perla Blanc 2008 79

Chardonnay Viognier Sauvignon Blanc


Really old style white overcooked slightly oxidized and lacking in sweet fruit. The finish has the

mustiness of premature oxidation.



Heritage Winery

Kab-elias Bekaa Valley

White Wines

White 2009 87 2011-13

Chardonnay 65% Ugni Blanc 30% Muscat 5%


There is not a lot of character on the nose and the palate has an underlying green herbal quality.

The lime and apple mix is balanced by some sweetness and there is more character towards the

back with just a hint of spice.

Red Wines

Red 2006 88 2011-13

Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 20% Cinsault 30%


The nose is full fat and fleshy packed with ripe cassis. The fruit on the palate feels ripe giving

suppleness. Towards the back there is some freshness a touch of bilberry and redcurrant that

refreshes but the finish is full very much dominated by cassis.

IXSIR

Batroun

The name derives from “Iksir” the original Arabic for “Elixir” a secret potion that grants

eternal youth and love. The winery is a partnership of friends with a passion for wine seeking

the same dream. Their grape are cultivated in the best terroirs in the diverse regions of

Lebanon stretching from Batroun in the north to Jezzine in the south and nestling beside the

beautiful hillsides of the Bekaa

White Wines

Altitudes White 2009 89 2011-13

Muscat Viognier Sauvignon Sémillon

Tasted at the London Wine Trade Fair May 2011

The Muscat features strongly on the nose lots of spicy flavours with behind it hints of white

peach. The fruit on the palate is fresh quite light in the middle with richer flavours towards the

back and a lovely floral character on the finish.



Altitudes White 2010 91 2011-14

Muscat Viognier Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon


The spice of the Muscat features strongly on the nose backed by some fresh flavours. The mid

palate is richer with nice sweet fruit but then towards the back lime comes through giving

crispness on the finish and bringing out the spice.

Grande Réserve White 2009 90 2011-13

Viognier Sauvignon Chardonnay


There is a lot happening on the nose with fresh greengage underpinned by fleshier melon and

apricot. The fruit is ripe and sweet but the richness is balanced by an underlying citric freshness.

Grande Réserve White 2010 92 2011-15

Viognier Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay


The richness of peaches and apricots fills out the nose and gives a fleshy start to the palate.

Behind the richness there is citric freshness that balances the sweetness yet the richness of the

flavours is there filling out the back palate.

Rosé Wines

Altitudes Rosé 2010 91 2012-14

Syrah Caladoc


The fruit on the nose feels quite sweet rich ripe strawberry with a nice mix of fruits on the mid

palate. There is some complexity with freshness towards the back and then richer strawberry

giving some weight on the finish.

Altitudes Rosé 2011 91 2012-14

Syrah Caladoc


The mix of rose petals and wild strawberries is quite delicate on the nose and gives a lovely

fragrance on the palate. The mid palate is richer very red fruited with the mix of raspberry and

redcurrant giving an attractive freshness on the finish.



Red Wines

Altitudes Red 2009 92 2011-15

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Caladoc Tempranillo


The nose is full of rich ripe and sweet black fruits. There is lots of power on the start of the

palate but fresher more herbal bramble flavours emerge from under the sweetness adding

complexity. The blackcurrant on the finish is spiced up by the black and white pepper.

Tasted at the winery in the Lebanon November 2011 92 2012-16

Black fruits tend to dominate the nose and the start of the palate but behind all of the power

there is freshness. Blackcurrant and sloe on the mid palate are refreshed by the mix of bilberry

and raspberry that lie beneath but the finish has all the power and structure that the nose

suggested.

Grande Réserve Red 2008 92 2011-17

Syrah 61% Cabernet Sauvignon 39%


Rich ripe cassis enriches out the nose with the sweet fleshy fruit backed by spice. There are

layers of flavour depth of fruit all seemingly very black fruit in character. Towards the back there

is a fresher feel, hints of red fruits and a wild peppery spiciness on the finish.

Grande Réserve Red 2009 93 2011-18

Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon


Rich cassis is backed by red cherry which shows some freshness under the power house of the

black fruits. The tannins are quite firm but feel ripe, nothing aggressive, and the fruit richness

shows through at the back filling out the finish.

Château Ka

Chtaura Bekaa Valley

Ka in Egyptian means the souls of an ancient God or King and the owners feel that this shows

in their wines. The Kassatly family have been involved since the beginning in 1919 and son

Akram trained in Burgundy graduating in 1968. The purchase of a vineyard in Chtaura

followed soon after this. Civil war interrupted the business but 2005 a parcel of land was

bought and now 75 hectares are planted with 40 in full production.



White Wines

Blanc de Blancs 2010 90 2011-13


There is a lovely freshness about the nose with some richer tropical fruit and melon on the mid

palate. Behind the sweet fruit there is enough freshness to give a racy character to the finish.

Source Blanche 2010 90 2011-13

Muscat Chardonnay Sémillon


The nose has lots of spicy fragrant flavours peachy tropical fruits backed by a hint of citrus.

The freshness of the fruit gives a racy crispness on the back palate and finish.

Tasted in the Lebanon November 2011 90 2011-14

Lime and apple gives a lovely freshness on the nose and a crisp start to the palate. Greengage is

backed by melon on the mid palate giving more weight and depth but the lime and apple mix

comes through towards the back giving a lovely freshness on the finish.

Nuits Blanche 2006 89 2011-13


Both nose and palate have a lot of rich powerful flavours with apricot tending to dominate the

greengage. The fruit feels ripe lovely sweet flavours but towards the back there is enough

freshness to give a more elegant feel on the back palate.

Rosé Wines

Rosé 2010 90 2011-13



It is fragrant and fresh with raspberry underpinned by red cherry. Although slightly sweeter on

the mid palate the red fruit freshness comes through on the finish.

Red Wines

Cadet de Ka 2007 91 2011-14



The freshness that shows on the nose is there on the start of the palate but the middle is richer

with more black fruit influences. Behind the sweetness is freshness with the mulberry and

raspberry tending to dominate the finish.




The black plum of the Merlot gives richness on the nose and flesh on the palate. Red fruits

underpin with a lovely peppery spice towards the back. The tannins are ripe the palate fleshy

and supple giving richness sweetness towards the back palate but the finish has the red fruited

freshness of Syrah.

Source de Rouge 2007 91 2011-15



There is lovely rich fruit on the nose all very black fruit in character. The sweetness of the fruit

and the rounded tannins all combine to give suppleness fleshiness on the palate. At the back the

black pepper of the Syrah gives an attractive spiciness.

Source de Rouge 2008 92 2011-18



Bilberry and red cherry freshness are there on the nose backed by richer blackcurrant. There is a

lot happening on the palate layers of flavour and although the tannins are quite firm they do not

hold back the fruit. There is a lovely balance of freshness yet richness, red fruits and black fruits.

Fleur de Ka 2005 91 2011-16


The nose is a bit closed and the tannic firmness tends to hold back the fruit holding back full

fruit expression. Towards the back there is sweeter fruit that gives more flesh on the finish.


The nose is very concentrated with lots of blackcurrant and black cherry. The mix of fruits on the

palate is backed by liquorice with damson plum and sloe behind. There is a fresher feel towards

the back with the black pepper of the Syrah spicing up but the finish has power, depth and

length.

Fleur de Ka 2006 92 2011-16


The fruit is ripe giving sweetness to both nose and palate. Rich ripe flavours pack out the mid

palate and although there is some freshness it is fruit sweetness that gives flesh on the finish.

Karam Winery

Jezzine

The southern part of the country is ideal for the vine and the Karam vineyards planted at an

altitude of 1,300 metres benefit from cooler nights. The soils are hot dry and gravelly suiting

especially Syrah and the Cabernets.



White Wines

Cloud Nine 2010 90 2011-13

Muscat Semillon Viognier


The floral fragrances overlay the peach and apricot richness. There is sweetness on the mid

palate but the overall impression is of freshness with all the spice fragrance of Muscat showing

on the finish.

Cloud 9 2011 (out of cask) 91 2011-14

Muscat Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Sémillon


The freshness of the fruit brings out the spicy fragrances with a touch of citrus and an underlying

white peach character. The mid palate has some nice sweet fruit then towards the back the

citrus takes over giving a lovely fresh feel on the finish.

Rosé Wines

Arc En Ciel 2009 89 2011-13

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah


Ripe strawberry fills out the nose and gives a rich start to the palate. There is a fresher feel on

the mid palate more raspberry flavours but the mix of strawberry and red cherry there at the

back enriches the finish.

Arc-En-Ciel 2010 90 2011-13

Syrah 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30%


The nose has lots of exotic red fruits all quite rich and lush. It is fresher on the palate raspberry

and redcurrant but the fruit sweetness takes over towards the back giving a fleshy richness to

the finish.

Red Wines

Maison 2009 91 2011-15

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Merlot Petit Verdot


The nose is rich and sweet fruited with lots of cassis and black cherry. Ripe tannins add to the

supple fleshy mid palate lovely and supple. There are some red fruits in evidence giving a fresher



feel on the finish.

Syrah de Nicolas 2006 90 2011-15


Ripe fruits are in evidence on both nose and palate and although this ensures richness on the

mid palate there is enough underlying freshness to balance. Towards the back the peppery spice

of Syrah shows through giving a racy feel to the finish.

Thouraya 2006 91 2011-16

Cabernet Sauvignon 100%


Rich ripe blackcurrant packs the nose and gives weight on the palate. The ripe black fruits are

enriched by dark chocolate and liquorice lots of richness and power flavours that linger.

St John 2006 92 2011-17

Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot


The nose is deep and brooding with a complex mix of mainly black fruits. Supple and velvety on

the palate the rounded ripe feeling tannins add to the fleshy sweetness. Blackcurrant, cherry

and black plum are all there giving complexity.


The nose has the fleshiness of black plum and this rich black fruit is very much in evidence on

the palate. Blackcurrant vies with fresher red cherry both supported by ripe tannins, a supple

velvety mid palate with the fruit spiced up by the black pepper on the finish.

Corpus Christi 2007 92 2011-17

Syrah Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot


There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose all seemingly very black fruited. The ripeness of

the fruit gives sweetness on the mid palate given an added richness by dark chocolate. The back

palate is deep and brooding with just a hint of black pepper on the finish.


Behind the predominantly blackcurrant there is some spice and herbs. The black fruits fill out

the palate enriched by chocolate spiced up by hints of vanilla. There are layers of flavour lots of

interest and richness on the finish



Sweet White Wines

Noble Sweet 2008 92 2011-16

Muscat 100%


Noble Rot is difficult to achieve in the Lebanon but it certainly features on the nose. The mix of

white peach and apricot is rich giving a fleshy sweetness on the mid palate yet there is enough

freshness to balance the richness. Hints of spice are there on the back palate and finish.

Noble Sweet 2009 90 2011-16

Muscat 100 %


The nose is lush packed with ripe sweet spicy fruit. The palate starts very sweet with ripe

flavours rich and fleshy but towards the back there is some freshness that helps to balance the

lush sweet spicy fruit.

Château Kefraya

Zahlé Bekaa Valley

White Wines

Blancs de Blancs 2011 (out of cask) 88 2012-14

Viognier Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Ugni Blanc Clairette Bourboubelenc Muscat à Petit-

Grains


The nose has a racy freshness with the citrus and apple tending to dominate. Sweeter pear gives

some richness on the mid palate but the crunchy apple and lime come through giving a crisp feel

to the finish.

Vissi d’Arte 2008 89 2011-14

Chardonnay Viognier


Ripe honeydew melon and pear fill out the nose and give weight on the palate. Under the

richness there is freshness that brings out some of the peachy character but the greengage of

the Chardonnay dominates the back palate and finish.



Vissi d’Arte 2009 90 2011-15

Chardonnay Viognier


The Viognier is very much in evidence on the nose with lots of peaches and apricots. Melon and

greengage gives richness and weight on the mid palate but there is freshness towards the back

which helps to balance the richness.

Vissi d’Arte 2010 91 2011-15

Chardonnay Viognier


The nose has a mix of flavours with the melon and greengage of Chardonnay backed by the

more peachy character of Viognier. The mid palate has richness with towards the back an apple

freshness that brings out the white peach and herbs that show on the finish.

Rosé Wines

Rosé 2010 89 2011-14


Fresh raspberries are backed by richer strawberries an attractive mix of freshness yet sweet

fruit. The sweeter fruit on the mid palate gives way to red fruited freshness that comes through

towards the back.

Myst Rosé 2011 (out of cask) 89 2012-14

Cinsault Tempranillo Syrah Carignan


The nose has a fragrant redcurrant and wild strawberry character with this showing on the mid

palate. It is light fresh fragrant with attractive red fruits coming through on the finish.

Red Wines

Château Kefraya Rouge 2005 90 2011-15

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Mourvèdre


The red fruited mix on the nose is fresh with lots of red cherry and raspberry fragrances. Cassis

and bramble give more depth on the palate the richness helped by ripe feeling tannins. Towards

the back red fruits take over and the finish is given a racy feel by the herbal spices that show

towards the back.



Château Kefraya Rouge 2007 92 2011-18

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Mourvèdre


The nose has real depth all very black fruit in character. There is a complex mix on the palate

with redcurrant and red cherry balancing the richer cassis and black cherry. The back palate has

lots of herbal spices that help to give a racier feel to the finish.

Comte de M 2005 90 2011-18

Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 50%


There are red fruits on the nose giving freshness and this comes through on the palate with

redcurrant and red cherry dominating. Sweeter cassis gives more weight on the palate but

towards the back the freshness mineral and flint take over giving a firmer tighter feel to the

finish.

Comte de M 2007 91 2011-20

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carignan Mourvèdre


Sweet ripe cassis is backed by some racy herbal red fruits. The palate is enriched by the ripeness

of the fruit lots of blackcurrant, black cherry and chocolate. Towards the back it is fresher with

more of a red fruit and herbal character.

Sweet White Wines

Lacrima d’Oro 2004 89 2011-16

Clairette


Rich ripe fleshy apricot and orange peel fills out the nose and gives a rich sweet start to the

palate. There is an underlying freshness helping to balance the sweet fruited power but it is the

lush candied peel that fills out the back palate.

Château Khoury

Dhour Zahlé Bekaa Valley

White Wines

Reve Blanc 2010 88 2011-14

Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Riesling


The nose has an attractive freshness with lots of perfumed spice. The start to the palate is quite

light but very fragrant then towards the middle it fills out with hints of tropical fruits. The back

palate is fresher yet has some fruit sweetness and lots of spicy perfume showing on the finish.



Red Wines

Château Khoury Symphonie 2006 92 2011-17

Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Syrah Merlot


The nose is sweet fruited and the palate full of ripe black plums lovely and fleshy. The rounded

ripe tannins help the suppleness and towards the back lots of powerful black fruit enriches. The

finish is exotic herbal and spicy.

Les Pérséides 2007 93 2011-18

Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah 40%


The nose is deep serious packed with a mix of black fruit. Ripe black plum fleshes out the mid

palate rich and powerful but under all of this concentrated flavour there is freshness a touch of

bilberry and red cherry that gives a lighter more elegant feel to the finish.

Sweet White Wines

Pinot Gris 2004 91 2011-14


The nose is sweet with some slate, mineral and spice overlaying the tropical fruit mix. Sweet

fruit gives a fleshy richness on the palate but under this is enough freshness to balance but the

ripe sweet flavours come through towards the back enriching the finish.

Krumna Winery

Niha Bekaa Valley

Red Wines

Sensations Private Selection 2007 94 2011-20



The nose is wild full of hedgerow fruit lovely brambly herbal and spicy. The rich start to the

palate is refreshed by red cherry and bilberry the layers of flavour giving lots of complexity. The

mid palate is fleshy and sweet fruited but towards the back the red fruits tend to dominate and

the finish has an exciting herbal rustic character.



Château Ksara

Bekaa Valley

The estate started life in 1857 when the Jesuit Fathers began farming a 25 hectare plot of land

and introduced the first non sweet red wine in Lebanon. In doing so there were returning to a

5,000 year old Phoenician tradition. 1973 saw the property taken over by a consortium of

Lebanese businessmen and in 1990 the company took a great leap forward in style and

quality. The 2 kms of ancient Roman cellars provide ideal conditions for wine ageing.

White Wines

Chardonnay 2002 92 2011-14


The nose has lots of rich fruit with pineapple, dried fruits and honeyed peach. The mid palate is

fresh balancing the richness there are layers of flavour lots of complexity and a nutty mature

feel on the finish.

Chardonnay 2009 Cuvée du Pape 91 2011-13


The nose is attractively fresh with an apple character but the palate is richer with lots of ripe

greengage and ripe melon. There is oak towards the back not overdone but giving the finish a

touch of spice.

Chardonnay 2010 91 2011-16


Fresh apple is backed by richer pineapple on the nose and this mix is there on the start of the

palate. The mid palate feels richer with lots of sweet flavours but towards the back the apple

takes over giving a lovely freshness on the finish.

Blanc de L’Observatoire 2010 91 2011-13

Sauvignon Blanc Muscat Clairette


There is a very attractive spicy fragrance on the nose with the crispness of Sauvignon on the

start of the palate. Richer slightly sweeter fruit gives some flesh on the mid palate but the finish

is racy and citrus fruited.

Blanc de Blancs 2010 91 2011-13

Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon


Although fresh on the nose the palate has nice rich fruit lots of melon and greengage. The

sweetness of the fruit is balanced by freshness with lime and apple very much in evidence.




The nose has the richness of ripe melon but the palate is fresh with lots of apple and a hint of

lime. Towards the back fleshy pineapple gives weight but the citrus and apple comes through

refreshing the finish.

Rosé Wines

Sunset Rosé 2010 90 2011-13

Cabernet Franc Syrah


The herbal and peppery character on the nose is backed an attractive mix of raspberry and

bramble. The palate is fresh quite light, not complex but has a fragrant fruit charm.

Gris de Gris 2009 91 2011-12

Carignan Grenache Gris


There are light ethereal rose petal fragrances on the nose underpinned by a mix of red fruits. On

the palate the fruit feels fresh red fruit driven and the freshness gives an attractive raciness on

the finish.

Gris de Gris 2010 91 2011-14

Carignan 40% Grenache Gris 60%


The nose has some attractive red fruits lovely fragrant and fresh. Raspberry and wild strawberry

intermingles on the palate quite light with a mineral freshness on the finish.

Red Wines

.Le Prieuré 2008 90 2011-15

Cabernet Sauvignon Carignan Mourvèdre Cinsault


The fruit on the nose is fresh with more of a red than black fruit influence. Sweeter flavours

enrich the mid palate all quite supple and fleshy then the bramble takes over leaving the finish

lighter and fresher.

Réserve du Couvent 2008 91 2011-15

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Cabernet Franc


Black pepper gives a spicy character on the nose overlaying the attractive mix of bramble and

red cherry. The mid palate has more weight and as the fruit feels ripe there is sweetness and

flesh on the back palate.



Réserve du Couvent 2009 91 2012-16

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Cabernet Franc


There is an attractive sweetness on the nose all very black fruited with lots of blackcurrant in

evidence. Rich fruit gives flesh on the mid palate but behind is a leafy quality and the spice of

black pepper on the finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 93 2011-18


The nose has freshness red cherry bramble and bilberry all intermingling. Chocolate and

liquorice richness fills out the mid palate all very black fruit but towards the back there are more

red fruits giving a fresher feel right at the back.



The nose although very black fruit in influence is slightly lighter, less concentrated. Sweet fruit

gives weight on the palate the cassis backed by liquorice and enriched by dark chocolate. The

fruit lasts well on the finish.



Rich ripe blackcurrant and sloe pack out the nose, an attractive complex mix of flavours. Ripe

tannins dark chocolate and coffee beans enrich the mid palate with the powerful mix of flavours

enriching the finish.


The blackcurrant on the nose is overlaid by eucalyptus lovely and spicy. The palate has a rich mix

of black fruits with cassis dominating but underneath some firmer black cherry and sloe. The

concentrated mix of fruits is refreshed by the touch of bilberry at the back.

Cuvée du Troisième Millénaire 2001 93 2011-18

Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot Syrah


The nose has a racy herbal spiciness under the black fruits and this is very much in evidence on

the start of the palate. There is a leafy fragrance on the palate lots of coffee beans, cedar wood

and vanilla. Bramble and black cherry come through towards the back with the herbal raciness

showing on the finish.



Cuvée du Troisième Millenaire 2007 93 2011-16



Tobacco, dried leaves are backed by black cherry refreshed by a touch of bilberry. The mid

palate is deep serious with lots of concentrated flavours yet towards the back there is fragrance

with a lighter quite elegant finish.

Cuvée du Troisième Millénaire 2008 93 2013-24



The nose has the herbal freshness that is Cabernet Franc but behind this are richer brambly

black cherry flavours. Red fruits and bilberry refresh the middle with richer deeper black fruits

filling out the back palate and finish.

Château Ksara 1986 94 2011-18

Cabernet Sauvignon 60% Merlot 30% Petit Verdot 10%


The nose has the fragrance of red fruits with the richness of cassis and blueberry. The palate has

a mix of flavours black fruits coffee beans cedar wood and vanilla spice. Although towards the

back it feels richer the finish is lighter fragrant lovely and elegant.




The nose has the farmyard leafiness of maturity backed by attractive black fruits. The mid palate

is full of rich fruit given a suppleness by rounded tannins but towards the back it feels lighter

quite fragrant lots of coffee beans underpinning the fruit. The finish is lovely and long.




The cassis of the Cabernet tends to dominate the nose but behind is some fresher bramble.

Black plum gives weight on the palate but there is a good underlying structure. The back palate

is rich but has a herbal leafiness.




Although very black fruited in character the nose is quite light. Blackcurrant and bramble give a

fresh start with richer black plum and ripe tannins giving flesh in the middle. Towards the back

the fruit richness is balanced by the herbal character and given some spice by the hint of oak.



Château Red 2008 92 2011-22



The nose is fresh with a mix of black and red fruits the black tending to dominate and enrich the

palate. The tannins are firm but feel ripe not overpowering the fruit. There are layers of flavour

with the vanilla on the finish adding a touch of spice.

Le Souverain 1990 93 2011-16

Cabernet Sauvignon Arinarnoa


The leafy character gives the feel of maturity with underneath sweet flavours from the mix of

red and black fruits. The mid palate has richness of flavour and then towards the back it is

lighter long and elegant.

Le Souverain 1992 94 2011-17



The fruit on the nose is sweet ripe lots of black fruits and figs. The palate feels supple packed

with rich fleshy fruit ripe tannins and dark chocolate. The finish is power packed lots of ripe

warm flavours.

Le Souverain 2004 93 2011-14



The fruit on the nose is sweet and although the palate starts slightly lighter the mid palate is rich

with black fruits dominating. The figgy sweetness is balanced to some extent by the freshness of

red cherry but towards the back the richness of the fruit exerts itself leaving a mouthful of ripe

flavours.


The nose is slightly herbal but at the back there is the richness of ripe black fruits. The layers of

flavour give interest black cherry backed by coffee beans and liquorice. The richness of the mid

palate is balanced by the freshness on the finish.

Le Souverain 2006 94 2011-16



Rich ripe black fruit packs out the nose with blackcurrant very dominant. There is freshness on

the mid palate an attractive mix of complex flavours then towards the back it is richer full of

chewy fruit deep and serious.



Le Souverain 2007 94 2011-17



The black fruits on the nose are backed by a touch of spice. The palate is power packed full of

rich sweet blackcurrant and cherry rounded tannins helping the supple fleshiness. There is

enough fresh fruit there to lighten the richness towards the back giving an elegant feel to the

finish.

Le Souverain 2008 93 2011-22

Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Arinarnoa


There are lots of powerful flavours on the nose with black fruits tending to dominate. Black

chocolate coffee and liquorice enrich the mid palate and although towards the back there are

firm tannins they feel ripe. The finish is packed with black fruited richness.

Coteaux du Liban

Situated on the slopes of Zahle in the centre of the Bekaa Valley with vineyards at 100 metres

the family estate is making some exciting wines. Nicolas Abou Khater studied in Burgundy so

has brought back with him a mix of traditional methods and new techniques and is keen to

reflect the terror of the Coteaux du Liban in his wines. The grapes all tend to be French in

origin blending the flavours of Bordeaux and the Rhône with those of the Mediterranean

coast.

White Wines

Blanc du Clos 2007 90 2011-13

Chardonnay Viognier


The nose has greengage freshness with richer more concentrated flavours of pineapple and

peach on the palate. The ripe fruit is supported by mid freshness that lifts the flavours on the

back palate.

Rosé Wines

Rosé Désir 2010 89 2011-13

Syrah Carignan Cinsault Grenache


It is very fragrant with lots of rose petal perfumes. Red fruits strawberry and loganberry fill out

the mid palate but under the fruit mix is freshness that gives a bright feel to the finish.



Red Wines

Syrah 2006 90 2011-14


The nose has the attractive fragrances of violets under which is a mix of blackberry and black

cherry. Black pepper gives it the spice with a hint of oak adding to its complexity.

Rouge Passion 2007 90 2011-15

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carignan Grenache


The nose is fresh quite red fruited with an attractive herbal hedgerow character. The mid palate

is richer with sweeter fruit some black fruits intermingling with the red all spiced up by the black

and white pepper that shows through on the finish.

Château 2007 91 2011-16

Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah 40% Merlot 30%


Behind the powerful mix of flavours on the nose is a hint of spice. Cassis tends to dominate the

palate with rich black plum fleshing it out towards the back. It is slightly fresher on the finish

with lovely a wild peppery spice character.

Château Marsyas

Kefraya Village

White Wines

Château Marsyas White 2009 91 2011-14



There is a lot of ripe melon on the nose lots of lovely rich flavours. Melon and pineapple fill out

the start of the palate but towards the back there is apple freshness that balances the richness.

Red Wines

Château Marsayas Red 2008 92 2011-18



The nose is full of ripe black fruits rich black plum, blackcurrant and black cherry. This mix of

flavours enriches the palate the mid suppleness helped by rounded tannins. The black fruited

power towards the back is refreshed by some underlying red cherry.



Massaya

Chtaura Bekaa Valley & Faqra

White Wines

White 2009 89 2010-12

Tasted at the Thorman Hunt Tasting September 2010

The nose has the freshness of apple but the palate is richer sweeter with a good depth of fruit.

Greengage and apple intermingle backed by peachy richness towards the back.

White 2010 91 2011-13

Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Clairette Obeidi


The nose is very fresh fruited quite light but an attractive mix of flavours. The palate has a bit

more weight and depth with the greengage refreshed by apple and lime.


There is a mineral freshness about the nose with lots of apple and lime. The palate has a lovely

crisp start then sweeter fruit comes through hints of greengage. The freshness of the nose is

there at the back and the finish is citrus and mineral.

Rosé Wines

Rosé 2009 89 2010-12


There is a lovely rose petal fragrance on the nose with lots of raspberry and loganberry on the

palate. It is remarkably fresh at the start with towards the back richer riper sweeter flavours

.Rosé 2010 90 2011-13

Cinsault Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon


Although quite red fruit in character the nose is full and the palate rich. There is more of a

raspberry freshness towards the back but the finish has sweetness of flavour.


Red fruits raspberry and wild strawberry are there on both nose and palate lovely and fresh. The

mid palate is fuller with an attractive sweetness but towards the back the freshness takes over

the red fruits spiced up by some black pepper.



Red Wines

Classic Red 2007 89 2010-18


Red fruits dominate the nose giving it a lovely freshness. The palate starts with the same fresh

feel but the sweetness of ripe fruit comes through enriching. There is a lot of fleshy fruit on the

back palate and finish.

Classic Red 2008 91 2010-17

Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsault Grenache Mourvèdre


The nose has a mass of fruit a mix of red and black and this mix of flavours is very much in

evidence on the palate. The tannins are ripe and rounded giving a fleshy suppleness in the

middle and sweetness on the finish.


Rich ripe black fruits fill out the nose and give depth on the palate. The touch of red fruit in the

middle helps to balance the black fruited power but cassis tends to dominate the finish. The

tannins are ripe and rounded giving suppleness on the mid palate.

Classic Red 2009 91 2011-17

Cinsault Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah


Black fruits tend to dominate the nose the sweetness underpinned by fresher red cherry and

wild strawberry. The palate has a generous suppleness balanced by freshness and the fruit lasts

well on the finish.

Silver Selection 1999 95 2011-20

Grenache Noir Cabernet Sauvignon Mourvèdre Cinsault


The black fruits on the nose are backed by an animal gamey spiciness. The fruit on the palate is

sweet lots of rich flavours in the middle with the black pepper and herbal character spicing up

the finish. There is an exciting complexity all the way through.




Bramble, black cherry and blackcurrant all intermingle on the nose. The fruit mix is there on the

palate lovely and complex the mid richness and sweetness backed by red fruit freshness and

herbal black pepper spiciness.





There is more of a black fruit influence on the nose lots of power and heat but behind the

richness there is the freshness of red cherry and strawberry. The palate is packed with powerful

flavours big structured with the heat showing towards the back.



The sweetness of the fruit on the nose points to ripeness and this is borne out by the rich fleshy

feel on the palate. Black cherry and plum dominate their richness enhanced by the suppleness

of the tannins. The finish is rich and powerful with just a hint of heat.




Ripe black fruit fills out the nose and gives a rich start to the palate. There is a lot of cassis on

the palate with the rounded tannins helping the fleshy suppleness. The layers of flavour give

complexity with blackcurrant and black cherry vying with raspberry and red cherry all backed by

herbal freshness.

Tanaïl Reserve 2000 91 2011-13

Tasted in Lilley March 2011

The nose has a mature feel quite resinous with very nutty flavours rather hiding the fruit. Some

black fruits are in evidence on the palate but the overriding character is bitter cherry. Towards

the back the hazelnut character rather dominates and the back palate is showing lots of

maturity and the fruit is drying out.

Gold Reserve 2001 93 2011-16

Cabernet Sauvignon Mourvèdre Syrah

Tasted in Lilley March 2011

The nose is full of wild fruits with brambles and spicy damson richness yet with an underlying

freshness. Sweet fruit gives flesh on the palate a lovely mix of flavours herbal exotic with red

fruited freshness showing at the back. The back palate is packed with interest.

Gold Reserve 2007 94 2010-20



The freshness of red cherry is underpinned by sweeter richer hotter sloe and black cherry. The

palate is power packed and although the tannins feel ripe there is enough firmness to give good

structure. Although the finish is a bit tight there is the feeling of more fruit to show.




The nose is rich deep and profound very black fruit in character. The fruit feels ripe giving

richness sweetness in the middle towards the back there is firmness, structured tannins, bilberry

freshness and hints of hazel nuts.

Gold Reserve 2008 95 2014-30



There is a sweet feel to the nose with lots of black fruits. Ripe black cherry is backed by

blackcurrant and sloe refreshed by herbal red fruits. The layers of flavour give complexity lots of

rich fruit and a great depth of flavour but the tannins are still quite firm but ripe with time

needed to achieve total harmony.

Château Musar

Ghazir

Established in 1930 it is still a family concern owned and run by the Hochar family. Serge

makes great wines often in very difficult conditions and uses both international and

indigenous grapes. Situated in the beautiful valley Bekaa Valley the vineyards are sheltered by

the numerous mountains that surround them. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan

feature in the red wines, Cinsault in the rosés and Merwah and Obaideh in the whites.

White Wines

Musar Cuvée Blanc 2003 90 2004-06

Tasted at Vinopolis March 2006

There is a lot of rich fruit on the nose and powerful flavours enrich the palate. The fruit is ripe

giving a mid sweetness and the mix of greengage and tropical fruits give complexity. There is a

hint of oak towards the back


Chardonnay Viognier Vermintino


The nose is very fresh with lots of lime and this citrus freshness is there on the palate

underpinned by richer greengage. There is sweetness in the middle but it is the mineral

crispness, the lime and apple that refresh the back palate and finish.




Chardonnay Viognier Vermintino


The nose is very fresh quite fragrant lots of lime and this citrus freshness is there on the palate

underpinned by minerals. There is some sweetness in the middle but it is the mineral crispness,

the lime and apple that refresh the back palate and finish.

Hochar Père et Fils White 2003 88 2004-07


There is some lovely floral lime and lemon on the nose. The palate is light fresh easy quite citrus

in character. There is a slight lack of depth on the back palate and not a great deal of complexity.

Château Musar White 1999 90 2006-10


An apricot richness fills out the nose and this sweet fruit gives fleshy power on the palate.

Behind all of the rich fruit is some freshness with more of a white peach character coming

through towards the back.

Rosé Wines

Château Musar Cuvée Rosé 2003 90 2004-07


Raspberry freshness vies with strawberry fleshiness for dominance with the freshness winning

at the start. There is a richer feel on the palate still very red fruit in character. The finish

although quite rich has an appealing freshness.

Château Musar Cuvée Rosé 2006 89 2011-13

Syrah Cinsault Grenache


Redcurrant and strawberries tend to dominate the nose the richness balanced by some

underlying freshness. Although the fruit is rich and quite sweet the underlying structure gives a

firm feel and slightly shortens the finish.

Musar Cuvée Rosé 2010 90 2011-13

Cinsault 100%


There is an attractive red fruit fragrance on the nose with the freshness of raspberry backed by

slightly richer strawberry. Fresh fruit is there on the mid palate with slightly richer sweeter

flavours giving some weight on the back palate.



Hochar Père et Fils Rosé 2003 89 2004-07


The nose is light quite fresh with some attractive strawberry fragrances. There is a sweeter feel

on the palate still very red fruited the richness balanced by raspberry freshness. The fruit lasts

well on the back palate.

Château Musar Rosé 2001 90 2006-08


Strawberry and raspberry fragrances feature on the nose. The palate has sweetness and

richness quite full bodied in the middle but towards the back it is lighter and fresher with

raspberry and wild strawberry featuring on the finish.

Red Wines

Musar Cuvée Rouge 2003 90 2004-08


It has an attractive freshness on the nose with the fresher black fruits being very much in

evidence. The mid palate is sweet and quite rich bramble is backed by slightly firmer black

cherry. Although the back palate is sweet it lacks a bit on intensity and complexity.

Musar Cuvée Rouge 2009 89 2011-16


The mix of red and black fruits has sweetness and this fills out the nose and gives a supple

fleshiness on the palate. The tannins are rounded helping the supple feel on the mid palate.

Towards the back is quite light easy with nice reds fruits showing on the finish.

Hochar Père et Fils Red 2001 91 2003-12


There is a lovely complex mix of flavours on the nose leaning more to black fruits than red. Ripe

mulberry and strawberry gives a fleshy richness in the middle but towards the back there is the

freshness of bilberry.

Hochar Père et Fils Red 2004 91 2011-14

Cinsault Carignan Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache

Tasted at Highdown nr Hitchin June 2011

The nose has a wild hedgerow herbal mix of fruits with bramble, red cherry and sloe all fighting

to dominate. Sweet fruit fills out the mid palate with a firmer feel towards the back. It lovely and

rustic with a lovely mix of black and red fruit flavours.




The nose is deep black fruited serious. The palate has a powerful mix of flavours with the black

cherry tending to dominate. There is freshness towards the back an underlying structure and

good depth of rich fruit showing on the finish.

Hochar Père et Fils 2007 93 2011-20

Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsault Carignan


The nose has a herbal red fruited freshness with red cherry and redcurrant very much in

evidence on the start of the palate. The mid palate is richer with sweet fruit rich dark chocolate

all underpinned by fine tannins. Towards the back there is an added complexity from the herbal

twist on the finish.

Château Musar Red 1997 90 2011-14


The nose has sweet fruit all quite red fruit in character. The palate starts sweet and fleshy but

towards the middle the tannins appear and tend to take over and dry leaving the back palate

quite firm and slightly dusty.

Château Musar 1974 98 2011-25



The nose has a wonderful mix of flavours, red fruits, herbs, rose petals lovely and complex. The

start of the palate seems quite light but it fills out in the middle with the cassis balanced and

refreshed by red cherry and wild strawberry. The mix of flavours lasts well and the finish has

both elegance and charm




The mix of red fruits and herbs is lovely and fragrant. The start of the palate has a mix of wild

strawberry and redcurrant but underneath there is the richness of cassis and dark chocolate

enhanced by the ripe rounded tannins. The sweetness is balanced by freshness that comes

through towards the back and the finish is herbal with the nuttiness of maturity.




The nose is quite light fragrant with a mix of red fruits. Sweeter richer flavours fill out the mid

palate all still very red fruit in character. Towards the back the fragrances come out with a mix of

red fruit flavours on the finish.



Château Musar Red 1999 93 2006-15



There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose all quite red fruited. Ripe strawberry fleshes out

the mid palate sweet and ripe. The tannins although in evidence are rounded adding to the lush

rich feel.


Red fruits dominate both nose and palate the lovely mix of flavours overlaid with rose petal

fragrances. Sweeter black fruits intermingle with the red a lovely complex mix. The tannins are

fine well integrated allowing the attractive mix of flavours to show to advantage. Towards the

back thyme and other herbs add to the fruit fragrances

Out of cask

White Wines

Chardonnay 2011 92


The nose is very fresh and aromatic with behind some richer sweeter flavours. The greengage on

the mid palate is refreshed by a touch of apple and citrus, flavours that last well on the finish.

There is complexity and excellent balance.

Vermentino / Petit Manseng 2011 94


The nose has a floral racy spiciness with apple and mineral acidity on the mid palate. It fresh and

racy but has underlying sweeter tropical fruits. There are layers of flavour giving complexity and

a freshness that brings out the fruit on the long finish.

Merwah 2011 92


Ripe pineapple and pear give richness on the nose and some weight and depth on the start of

the palate. The mid palate is crisp with fresh grapefruit, lime and lemon the racy freshness lifting

the fruit and giving a mid crispness. Towards the back the pineapple richness gives some weight

on the finish.

Red Wines

Merlot 2011 93


The nose is packed with rich plum black plum dominating but behind it is the freshness of red

cherry. The fruit is sweet giving richness of flavour on the palate and there are layers of flavour

that give lots of complexity, amazing in a wine that has only just stopped the fermentation.

There is lots of potential.



Clos St Thomas

Kab-Elias Main Road Bekaa Valley

In 1990 the winery was founded by Said Touma a man passionate about the vine. Situated

1,000 metres up on the limestone and pebbly clay of Mount Lebanon it overlooks the

beautiful Bekaa Valley. The mix of Mediterranean and semi continental climate suits both red

and white vines producing wines with great strength of character. A feature of the winery is

the cellar hewn out of solid rock.

White Wines

Les Gourmets Blanc 2010 91 2011-13

Sauvignon Blanc Viognier Chardonnay


Although the nose is very fresh and fragrant the fruit on the palate is quite sweet with lots of

ripe melon. The richness of the mid palate is balanced by the refreshing citrus and apple that

shows through towards the back.


The Viognier comes through on the nose with some peachy fragrances. The mid palate is quite

full and sweet fruited but towards the back there is an apple freshness coming through giving a

brighter feel to the finish.

St Thomas Chardonnay 2010 90 2011-15


Greengage fills out the nose lots of rich fruit that feels ripe. The mid sweetness is balanced by

apple freshness then the sweetness of the fruit takes over filling out the back palate.

Red Wines

Les Gourmets Rouge 2008 91 2011-14

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Grenache Cinsault


The nose has a wild herbal quality with a mix of bramble, black and red cherry. The palate starts

fresh but the mid palate is silky smooth with rounded tannins and this sweetness enriches the

finish.

Pinot Noir 2008 91 2011-14


Both nose and palate are lush with fleshy mulberry enriched by dark plum. The fleshy sweetness

has enough freshness behind to balance and to ensure that the finish is not over sweet and

heavy.




The nose is full of ripe flavours with the black fruits tending to dominate. Behind the ripe fruit

there is some red fruited freshness with the fresh red fruited raspberry underpinned by richer

mulberry. The tannins are fine and well balanced and the fruit mix lasts well on the finish.

Les Emirs 2007 91 2011-14

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Grenache


There is an attractive mix of flavours ripe profound black fruits underpinned by fresher red

cherry. There is structure but the overall feel is of fleshy ripeness the sweetness so well

balanced by the red fruit mix that is there on the finish.

Château St Thomas 2002 92 2011-15



Autumn leaves and cedar wood overlay and black and red fruit mix on the nose lovely and

complex. Cassis seems to dominate the palate but the middle has the fleshiness of damson plum

and the back palate some spicy red cherry.




Blackcurrant dominates the nose backed by some rich black plum. The mid palate is fresher

quite red fruited the freshness having a racy leafy herbal edge. Rich ripe fruit packs out the back

palate with the layers of fruit giving a lovely complex feel.


The cassis on the nose is quite richer but behind it are fresher black and red fruits, bilberry and

red cherry. The mid palate is structured with lots of cassis, damson plum and dark chocolate

underpinned by fresher flavours with the touch of peppery spice giving quite a racy feel to the

finish.




Spicy peppery bilberry and red cherry refresh the nose and give a bright start to the palate. The

fruit on the mid palate is rich and ripe fleshy black plum with ripe cassis and black cherry. The

lush sweetness is nicely balanced by the freshness that shows through towards the back.



Les Emirs 2007 93 2011-18

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Grenache


Blackcurrant is very much in evidence on the nose the richness of the fruit balanced by some

peppery red fruited freshness. The fruit is ripe giving fleshy richness on the palate lovely and

supple with lots of dark chocolate. Towards the back there is lots of black pepper spicing up the

finish.

Domaine des Tourelles

Chtaura Bekaa Valley

Francois-Eugene Brun laid the foundation stone of the Domaine in Chtaura in 1868 becoming

one of the pioneers in the land of the Cedars. Born in France he came to the Lebanon during

the Ottoman Empire involved with the building of the Beirut – Damascus road captivated by

the scenery of the plain he turned to the vine starting the countries first commercial cellar.

The company was sold in 2000 to Nayla Kanaan Issa-el-Khoury and Elie F Issa who have

developed its potential.

White Wines

White 2010 91 2011-13

Viognier Muscat d’Alexandrie


The nose has a fragrant spicy freshness with richer white peach giving some weight on the

palate. The perfumed spice of the Muscat is very much in evidence towards the back lovely

fresh and fragrant.

Rosé Wines

Rosé 2010 91 2011-13

Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsault Tempranillo


The perfume of the rose bed features on the nose with behind fresh red fruits, raspberries and

redcurrants. Although slightly fuller on the mid palate the finish has an attractive freshness.

Tasted in the shop in Beirut November 2011 92 2011-14

There is a mix of wild strawberry and raspberry on the nose lovely and fresh. The palate has a

sweeter feel still very red fruited but richer with more weight of fruit. The finish has both

freshness and length.



Red Wines

Syrah du Liban 2006 95 2012-30

Tasted in the shop in Beirut November 2011

There is a lot of concentrated fruit on the nose deep and brooding. The palate has layers of

flavour at first quite black fruit driven but underneath there is red cherry and raspberry

freshness. The tannins although giving structure feel ripe and towards the back herbs come

through hints of thyme with lots of peppery spice on the finish.

Syrah du Liban 2007 94 2011-18


There is more of a red fruit influence on the nose nicely fresh with floral overtones. The mid

palate is rich, lush with lots of ripe fruit and this sweetness gives a fleshy feel to the back palate.


There is a lovely mix of fruits on the nose all quite fragrant with a floral character overlaying.

Red cherry and mulberry are there at the start backed by bramble and bilberry a mix of

freshness yet sweeter richness. The back palate is full of herbs, lots of thyme and the spiciness

of black pepper gives excitement on the finish.

Domaine des Tourelles Rouge 2008 91 2011-16

Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 50%


Fresh red fruits, red cherry and raspberry are backed by richer black with cassis very much in

evidence. The palate has complexity with the layers of fruit backed by firm structured but not

aggressive tannins. The red fruit freshness is there at the back the fruit spiced by the pepper on

the finish.


The nose has a lovely mix of black fruits, cassis and black cherry, rich and deep. Behind the

fleshy richness there is freshness a touch of bilberry and towards the back an attractive peppery

spiciness.

Marquis des Beys 2004 94 2011-17



The nose is packed out with rich ripe powerful flavours with a mix of cassis, blackberry and red

cherry. Layers of flavour give complexity the fleshy richness helped by the ripe rounded tannins.

The back palate is deep, profound and rich.




Red fruits, red cherry and mulberry give freshness on the nose with behind some black still quite

fresh. The palate has a lovely weight of flavour, richness of fruit deep and profound. The tannins

feel ripe helping the fleshiness but then the firmer fresher black fruits come through

underpinned by minerals and peppery spice.




Rich fruit packs out the nose with the black fruits tending to dominate. Behind the fleshy

richness is some fresh red cherry the gives a lighter feel on the mid palate but towards the back

the richer flavours take over give lots of weight on the finish.


The mix of black fruits is ripe giving a fleshy richness to the nose and filling out the start of the

palate. The layers of fruit give complexity the rounded tannins suppleness with the bilberry that

comes through towards the back freshness. The fruit lasts lingers with the finish spiced up by

black pepper.



Tasted in the shop in Beirut November 2011

The nose has a powerful mix of flavours deep and brooding lots of black cherry and sloe. There

is a concentration of flavours on the palate very cassis driven and although the tannins are firm

there is mid sweetness and richness dark chocolate and liquorice. It feels a bit lighter towards

the back herbal peppery and spicy.




There is a lovely depth of fruit on the nose rich, ripe and black fruited. The palate is serious

packed with concentrated blackcurrant the sweetness nicely balanced by the underlying

freshness all spiced up by the black pepper that shows through on the finish.


The nose is serious brooding with lots of black fruits and this mix of flavours is there on the start

of the palate. The tannins are ripe giving suppleness to the palate the rich black cherry and

blackcurrant is back by chocolate yet there is an underlying freshness with lots of bramble and

bilberry with black pepper spicing up the finish.



Domaine Wardy

Zahlé Bekaa Valley

Wardy is the Arabic for rose and the wines of Wardy have the same charm. Situated in Zahlé

the capital of the Valley the vineyards were planted in 1989 in the limestone soils of the plain

and chalky slopes that surround the town. 1997 saw the wines really coming in to focus wines

with lots of interest and complexity.

White Wines

Clos Blanc 2010 91 2011-13

Obeide Viognier Muscat Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc


The floral spice of the Muscat features on both nose and palate. There are some attractive

richer flavours hints of white peach, greengage with crisper gooseberry towards the back. The

flavours are long, complex and lingering.

Chardonnay 2008 91 2011-14


The fruit is upfront greengage and apple with richer melon behind. The fruit all feels ripe giving a

fleshy richness, to the mid palate with towards the back there is a lime and apple mix that

refreshes the finish.

Chardonnay 2009 89 2011-14


The nose has some rich greengage and this shows on the start of the palate. There is an

underlying freshness coming from hints of citrus but the sweeter fruit is there at the back filling

out the finish.

Private Selection White 2006 90 2011-13

Viognier Muscat


It is very rich the nose packed with ripe apricots. The palate has richness of flavours the fleshy

apricots backed by Mandarin oranges. Fragrant spices give a racy feel to the finish.


The nose and start to the palate are very much the rancio style full deep fruited lovely and rich.

The pineapple and tropical fruits are backed by apricots and mandarin oranges with the spice of

the Muscat very much in evidence on the finish.



Rosé Wines

Rosé 2010 89 2011-13

Cinsault Syrah


The nose is fresh with lovely fragrances and lots of red fruits. Red cherry and raspberry feature

on the palate fresh in the middle with more richness and weight towards the back.

Red Wines

Les Terroirs 2009 90 2011-15

Cinsault Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Merlot


The mix of black and red fruits is very spicy with lots of black pepper behind. The mid palate is

sweet full if ripe black plum cassis enriched by liquorice. The sweetness richness of the flavours

fleshes out the back palate.

Château Les Cèdres 2004 92 2011-15



The fruit on the nose is ripe and fleshy lots of lovely sweet flavours. Liquorice and coffee beans

are backed by blackcurrant refreshed by red cherry lots of complex flavours. Right at the back

there is a hint of maturity hazel nut and almond.

Private Selection Red 2004 92 2011-17

Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 40% Tempranillo 10%


Cassis and black cherry are very much to the fore but behind is some red fruit freshness. The

fruit on the palate feels ripe all very sweet with rounded tannins helping the fleshiness. The red

fruits at the back have a hint of spice and the finish has a forest leaf quality.


The nose is packed with fruit deep and profound. Blackcurrant mingles with black cherry and

sloe lots of power with the tannins although ripe giving structure in the middle and towards the

back. The black fruits enrich the back palate.


Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Syrah 40% Tempranillo 10%


The nose is power packed with cassis and black cherry underpinned by juicy mulberry. The

palate is rich full of ripe warm flavours lush and fleshy but there is enough underlying freshness

to balance and slightly lighten the power.




The nose is quite fresh with lots of red fruits but behind is richer blackcurrant and black cherry.

There is sweetness in the middle good depth then a fresher feel at the back that gives a lighter

feel on the finish.


Syrah Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon


Blackcurrant is very much to the fore and the tannins on the start of the palate give lots of

structure. Under the firmness there is the richness of sweet black plum and the back palate has

a touch of peppery spice.


Syrah Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon


There is an attractive sweetness to the mix of fruits on the nose with black fruits tending to

dominate. The palate has more of a red fruit character with lovely red cherry and redcurrant

with the ripeness of the fruit showing through enriching the finish.

Derek Smedley MW

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