Tag: diary

Enjoying an Ixir Grand Reserve Red 2016, a wine from North Lebanon

Lebanese Wines: Ixsir Grand Reserve Red 2016

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Ixsir Grand Reserve Red 2016
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2016
Country: Lebanon
Region: North Lebanon
Date Consumed: April 9, 2024

A wooden bowl filled
with black fruits and red fruits.
I feel I’m
on a hill constantly caressed by the wind
coming from the sea.

It’s a weeknight and friends are over
for barbecue
and for moments of loud laughter.

I uncorked this bottle minutes
before they arrived
and had a few sips,
looking for verses and notes
residing in the elixir,
looking for memories
I haven’t made yet.

Lebanese Wine Review: Chateau Qanafar Petit Paradis 2019

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Qanafar Petit Paradis 2019

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Château Qanafar Petit Paradis 2019
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon
Year: 2019
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: March 8, 2024

Last night, we went to this nice place called Le Jardin Beirut. There was me, my wife, her sister, and a friend of the family. We were there for the live entertainment. The live entertainment was an old man with an acoustic guitar. He performed old songs that I love, including “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, and many others.

The four of us had three bottles of wine, and one of them was the Petit Paradis de Qanafar. While I did not like the Petit Paradis as much as I liked the Mago, I’d still be open to having it a second time to get to know it better. But it’s a good wine nonetheless, a little above average, too. I’d give it 73/100.

Review of Chateau Qanafar Mago 2018, a Lebanese wine.

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Qanafar Mago 2018

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Château Qanafar Mago 2018
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon
Year: 2018
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa
Date Consumed: March 6, 2024

A medium-bodied, well-balanced, low tannin wine. I got notes of red fruits and minute hints of tobacco and spices. It’s not a wine I would bring with me to a formal dinner, but it’s a wine I wouldn’t mind adding to my collection.

Although it does not require your full attention, the Mago is a wine with character. It has something to say. It is also easy to drink, so it’s perfect for wine nights, for times when you plan on uncorking more than one bottle. And trust me when I say that you will want to have a second glass.

It’s a wine that keeps the conversation going. It’s a wine that can produce laughter as well as memories.

I’d give it 87/100.