Chateau Musar Blanc 2000

Chateau Musar occupies a unique place among great wine estates.  Located in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, one of the ancient world's most important agricultural regions, Musar produces natural wines from varieties well known elsewhere (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault) and native grapes (Merwah and Obaideh, relatives and ancestors of Semillon and Chardonnay).

Chateau Musar blanc may be even more remarkable.  The character of those can range from a dry minerally wine reminiscent of Domaine de Chevalier blanc, to a slightly oxidized, richer style that recalls a great white Rhône to a truly exotic, honeyed wine.

Depending on the vintage character and age the red can show the earthy, tarry, brightly acidic character of a great Piedmont wine, or a smoky, gamy Cote-Rotie, or the red cherries of Burgundy.