Château Musar Rosé 2018 Bekaa Valley (75cl)

This is a still rosé from Château Musar in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, made in the manner of the blended rosés of Champagne. It is not made every year. The 2018 blends 57% Obaideh, 40% Merwah and 3% Cinsault, and was fermented and aged for nine months in new Nevers oak barrels, then rested in tank for six months. The Obaideh and Merwah come from old, low-yielding bush vines grown at high altitude, around 1400m, on their own roots. The colour is a pale, bright mandarin. The nose shows raspberries, soft red berries, tangerine and caramelised orange with vanilla spice. The palate follows with spiced orange, raspberries and a hint of vanilla from the barrel.