Chateau Musar White 2018

It was in 1930 that Gaston Hochar, of Lebanon's Chateau Musar, planted his first vineyards, after returning from Bordeaux. Major Ronald Barton (of Chateau Langoa-Barton), who was stationed in Lebanon during World War II, befriended Gaston Hochar, strengthening links with Bordeaux and influencing the Musar style.

Gaston's first son, Serge, became Chateau Musars winemaker in 1959, while completing his winemaking studies at the University of Oenology in Bordeaux, under the tutorage of Jean Riberau and Emile Peynaud. 3 years later, Ronald Hochar (Gaston's second son) takes over the financial and marketing aspects of the winery.

It wasn't until 1977 that Serge Hochar finalised the formula for Chateau Musar Reds. 2 years later, Michael Broadbent discovers' Chateau Musar at the Bristol Wine Fair, hailing the 1967 vintage as the "Find of the Fair". Chateau Musar opens its UK Company to develop its sales into the UK market and thereafter into Europe.

In 1984, Decanter magazine nominates Serge Hochar as their first Man of the Year', recognising his dedication to producing superb wines throughout Lebanon's Civil War (1975-1990).

The family tradition continued in 1994 when Gaston Hochar, Serge's son joins the winery, to later become its managing director and again in 2003 when Ralph Hochar, Ronald's son joins the UK office in charge of sales in the on-trade.

2006 saw Chateau Musar obtains its first official, Organic certification for some of its vineyards.

Most recently in 2010, Serge Hochar receives the lifetime achievement award from the German magazine Der FeinSchmeker. Also Marc Hochar, Serge's second son, joins his brother Gaston to help run and expand the winery's activities.

The Chateau Musar's range of wines are this houses most famous range of wines. These are their Grands Vins', each with their unique signature and imprint in the world of wine. Since 1930, every aspect of production, grape sourcing, fermentation, oak-ageing and bottle maturation, has been trialled to achieve the ultimate expression of Musar's specific terroirs' (site-specific interactions of soil, vine, climate and time).

Obaideh, Merwah

The vineyards were planted between 50-90 years ago, at around 1,300 metres above sea level in the foothills of the AntiLebanon mountains.

Obaideh 60% Merwah 40% - ancient Lebanese varieties dating back thousands of years. The first of these two indigenous varieties, Merwah was harvested on the 18th September, followed by Obaideh on the 22nd.

Both the Obaideh and Merwah were pressed and racked, then fermented in new French oak barrels for 9 months. They were blended in spring, cold stabilised and bottled during the summer.

Fine lemon-gold, bright and fresh looking, which will develop as the wine ages over several decades - Chateau Musar white vintages are known for their incredible ageing potential. Aromas of lemon and lime, oregano and pine, following through to a zesty vibrant palate with pears, apples and fresh Mediterranean herbs. It is both youthful and complex with long lasting flavours. Serve at cellar temperature (15C) rather than chilled.