Chateau Musar Gaston Hochar 1992 Review And Tasting Notes
More than a bottle, this Chateau Musar Gaston Hochar 1992 is a piece of history, a testimony to how great the terroir of the Bekaa Valley is. This vintage, now mature and launched into an extraordinary ethereal evolution, represents a fascinating chapter in the narrative of Chateau Musar, offering a unique tasting experience.
The Producer
Chateau Musar, located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, is renowned for its wines that reflect the richness and complexity of their terroir. Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, Chateau Musar has become a symbol of resistance and quality, producing extraordinary wines even during times of great political and social turbulence.
The Basics
Type: red wine.
Origin: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.
Grape varieties: blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Cinsault.
Soil: calcareous, gravelly, and clayey.
Vinification: fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by long aging in French oak barrels.
Price: 190$, an acceptable price for a fine 32-year-old bottle.
Aromatic and taste profiles
Chateau Musar Gaston Hochar 1992 reveals itself with a complex and seductive bouquet. On the nose, there are notes of macerated red fruits, leather, tobacco, and a subtle hint of oriental spices. Over time, nuances of mushrooms and wet earth also emerge, typical of a wine that has reached full maturation. In the mouth, the wine is surprisingly fresh despite its age, with a texture of silky tannins and an impeccable balance between acidity and fruitiness. The flavors of plum, blackberry, and a light hint of dark chocolate blend into a long and persistently spicy finish.
Recommended pairings
This wine pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful dishes. Think of a cut of beef, braised lamb with aromatic herbs, or Middle Eastern dishes such as lamb stew with plums or ribs with barbecue sauce, baked lasagna, pulled pork, hamburgers, or fillet Wellington. For cheese lovers, opt for a mature pecorino, an old gouda, or a soft camembert.
Technical information
Alcohol: About 13–14%.
Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C.
Aging Potential: This Wine is already in an advanced stage of maturation but can still express itself well for a few years.