Founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930, Chateau Musar lies in a 17th century Mzar castle in Ghazir, just North of Beruit overlooking the Mediterranean sea. One of the great wines of the world Chateau Musar has been run by Gaston's sons, Serge (who studied winemaking under the great Emile Peynaud at the University of Bordeaux) and Ronald since 1959. The grand vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache and Mourvedre with the white wine being a blend of native varieties including Merwah and Obaideh. With glowing reviews from international wine critics, Chateau Musar produces an earthy complex range of wines that age beautifully and Serge Hochar was awarded the first Decanter magazine "Man of the Year in 1984.

Hochar Père et Fils is sourced from specially selected vineyards near the village of Aana in the Bekaa Valley, characterised by deep, gravelly soil over a limestone base. Low yields (25-30 hectolitres per hectare) result in concentrated wine and the altitude keeps the average yearly temperatures at around 25 °C, encompassing cold, snowy winters, mild springs and hot summers.

Tasting Note:
The Hochar is bright ruby red in colour with red fruits, plums, sloes and cherries on the nose and palate. This balanced and elegant wine combines vibrant fruit on a medium body with soft tannins, good acidity and cellared well, it could keep for several years, but I'd be more inclined to drink in right away.