{"product_id":"chateau-musar-1981","title":"Chateau Musar 1981","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background \u0026amp; History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChateau Musar\u003c\/b\u003e, founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, is one of Lebanon’s most iconic wineries. Located in the \u003cb\u003eBekaa Valley\u003c\/b\u003e, it has gained international recognition for producing distinctive wines that reflect the rugged, sun-soaked terroir of the region. The \u003cb\u003e1981 vintage\u003c\/b\u003e is part of Chateau Musar’s unique legacy, blending tradition with the influence of the Mediterranean climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer \u0026amp; Wine Maker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe 1981 vintage was crafted by \u003cb\u003eSerge Hochar\u003c\/b\u003e, the son of Gaston Hochar, who took over winemaking duties in 1959. Serge was known for his minimalist approach, allowing the terroir and vintage characteristics to express themselves fully in each wine. His methods included long fermentation periods with natural yeasts and minimal use of sulfur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyard\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe grapes for Chateau Musar come from old vineyards planted near \u003cb\u003eAana\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eKefraya\u003c\/b\u003e in the Bekaa Valley. The vineyards are located at high altitudes, where the limestone soils contribute to the wine’s freshness and minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Wine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChateau Musar 1981\u003c\/b\u003e is a blend of \u003cb\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eCinsault\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eCarignan\u003c\/b\u003e, all of which were fermented separately with natural yeasts before being aged in French oak for 12 months. This blend is then aged in bottle for several years before release, allowing the wine to develop its signature complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVintage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003e1981 vintage\u003c\/b\u003e was a notable year for Musar, producing wines with remarkable depth and character. It is often cited as one of Serge Hochar’s favorite vintages, with the \u003cb\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/b\u003e performing particularly well, bringing structure and richness to the blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV %\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe alcohol by volume (ABV) for \u003cb\u003eChateau Musar 1981\u003c\/b\u003e is \u003cb\u003e14%\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification and Aging Method\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis wine is vinified using a traditional process with fermentation in concrete tanks and extended aging in French oak barrels for 12 months. Afterward, it undergoes additional aging in the bottle for at least four years before release. The wine is neither filtered nor fined, which helps maintain its natural texture and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrapes Varietals\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eCabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eCinsault\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eCarignan\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eAppearance\u003c\/b\u003e: Deep garnet with slight bricking, showing signs of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eNose\u003c\/b\u003e: Aromas of \u003cb\u003ecedar\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ecigar box\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eleather\u003c\/b\u003e, followed by layers of \u003cb\u003eblackcurrant\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003estrawberry\u003c\/b\u003e, and earthy \u003cb\u003espice\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ePalate\u003c\/b\u003e: Medium-bodied with soft tannins, showcasing flavors of \u003cb\u003eripe red fruits\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ecoffee\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003etobacco\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eeucalyptus\u003c\/b\u003e, with a balanced acidity that lifts the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood and Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eChateau Musar 1981 pairs well with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eLamb dishes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eGame meats\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eMature cheeses\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eMiddle Eastern cuisine\u003c\/b\u003e, such as grilled lamb with spices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eServe at \u003cb\u003e16-18°C\u003c\/b\u003e (60-64°F) and consider decanting for an hour to let the wine open up fully and soften any remaining tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Ageing Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis wine is ready to drink but can be aged further if stored properly. With optimal conditions, it can continue to evolve for another \u003cb\u003e5-10 years\u003c\/b\u003e, developing more tertiary flavors like dried fruit, leather, and savory earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobert Parker\u003c\/b\u003e: 93 points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eTastingbook\u003c\/b\u003e: 93 points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSummary\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChateau Musar 1981\u003c\/b\u003e is a beautifully complex wine that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of varietals and the hands-off winemaking approach make it a perfect reflection of Lebanon’s distinctive terroir. It is a wine for those who appreciate maturity and layered complexity, ideal for special occasions or pairing with rich, flavorful dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OMY Cellar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922409734358,"sku":null,"price":2580.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/1981ChateauMusarRouge_GastonHochar_VivinoUS.jpg?v=1773670267","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/chateau-musar-1981","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}