Wine of Adyar Monastère de Rechmaya 2012

Lebanese Wines: Adyar Monastère de Rechmaya

Name: Monastère de Rechmaya 2012
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet-Franc
Year: 2012
Country: Lebanon
Region: Chouf
Date Consumed: December 9, 2023

It was cold outside,
not as cold as it should have been,
but cold enough for wine to be drunk
to warm our spirits.

“Such a lovely restaurant,” one of us said
as we let the waiter lead us to our table.
Our table faced the fireplace —
“Such a lovely fireplace!” —
where the gentle fire performed
a belly dance.

We ordered arak first,
and then wine,
and then mezze.

And we talked until
our stomachs were full.

I must say,
This is the kindest December I’ve ever met.
It has rained a few times
but not enough times to convince people
that a new season has come.


Lebanese Red Wines: Noe

Lebanese Wines: Noé 2012

Name: Noé 2012
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache
Year: 2012
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: November 19, 2023

I got this bottle from Ardoum Winery. The winemaker explained that they would never make the Noé again because the grapes they used to make the blend weren’t from their own vineyards. From now on, the winemaker explained, they would focus on producing wines made with their own grapes, and they’d be calling them Ardoum. Therefore, it can be said that this was the first and last time I would uncork a bottle of Noé.

The 11-year-old wine slid into my glass, blood-red. I took a sip, worrying that it had passed its prime, but it was still good. I could definitely taste the years. Ferric notes lingered on my tongue for a long moment after I swallowed my first sip. I took a second sip to study its structure, and then a third sip to say goodbye.

Lebanese Wines: Aurora Cabernet Franc 2018

Name: Aurora – Cabernet Franc 2018
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Year: 2018
Country: Lebanon
Region: North Lebanon

Experience

Date Consumed: February 22, 2023

A wine that tastes like aged lust wrapped in satin.

Imagine a beautiful woman sitting cross-legged on dewy grass,
watching the night sky, letting the time pass.
Listen to her laughter
right after
she gives you the middle finger.

The wine plays with your tongue.
Fondling.

Something silky, ferric,
with hints of strawberry.
The taste of soft, bitten lips.

A kiss.
A false goodbye.
An image, a memory
of what could have been.