Name: Latourba Cabernet Merlot 2020
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Merlot
Year: 2020
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: December 22, 2025

Although I’ve said that Latourba’s Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorite single-varietal wines coming from Lebanon, their Merlot is not. I don’t know what I was looking for in the sip, but I was expecting at least a tiny bit more from it for sure… It’s important to note, however, that it’s still a good (enough) wine, and if you’re a big merlot fan looking for Lebanese bottles, Latourba’s work is one that you need to add to your list. It just isn’t for me. Cheers.

Name: Latourba Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2020
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: December 21, 2025

Young and beautiful. Full-bodied with strong tannins. Latourba’s Cabernet Sauvignon is probably one of my favorite single-varietal wines coming from Lebanon. Although it has good ageing potential, my preference here is to uncork it as soon as possible and drink it like you’re drinking from the fountain of youth. It goes without saying that it pairs excellently with all sorts of red meats and strong cheeses… and chestnuts, too. Cheers.

Name: Umami Red 2017
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Year: 2017
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: December 19, 2025

A nicely balanced Lebanese red, blending cabernet franc and merlot. I got stimulating notes of cocoa and spices and somewhat subtle hints of leather. This is undoubtedly a wine worth trying again. I believe it would pair nicely with roast beef and slow-cooked meat in general. And maybe that’s what I’ll do next time.