2003 Chateau Musar Rouge Bekaa Valley Lebanon

Purchase 2003 Chateau Musar Rouge Bekaa Valley Lebanon

2003 Chateau Musar Rouge Bekaa Valley Lebanon

Winery Notes 

The 2003 harvest was a unique experience and two words can aptly summarise it: alcohol & acidity – this vintage is rich in both. After the rainiest winter in 15 years, not a drop of rain fell from mid April onwards and it was hot and sunny throughout the summer months. In May when flowering started, a 10 day heat-wave reduced the harvest quantity by about 30% and this phenomenon was responsible for the concentration of sugar and acidity in the grapes. Our first indications even at the racking stage were that the 2003 vintage would be full-bodied, powerful with great length and 7 years later upon release in 2010, we have been proved right: These will be the defining characteristics of 2003.

Critical Acclaim

“The 2003 Chateau Musar seems very different than years such as 1981, but maybe that’s just because it is so young, or possibly because of the vintage or an increasing nod to modernity. Either way, this is a ripe, sexy Musar. It retains its elegant mid-palate as well as lovely fruit and fine balance. There is a slightly sweet tinge to the finish, perhaps a touch of a high-toned demeanor. The lush texture and surprising richness make this a rather luscious wine by Musar standards. It is showing little but baby fat right now. Fresh and youthful, it is just a friendly puppy today. I’m not so sure it is in the winery’s preferred style, but it should be a very enjoyable vintage for consumers. Showing not a trace of age, it has a lot of potential and a long life ahead. It may yet be entitled to further upticks in score, but let’s be a bit conservative at the moment.” – 91 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Purchase 2003 Chateau Musar Rouge Bekaa Valley Lebanon