Tag: red wine

Review of the Lebanese Wine Chateau Marsyas Satyr Red 2018

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Marsyas Satyr Red 2018

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Name: Chateau Marsyas Satyr Red 2018
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2018
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: November 20, 2024

Quaffable. An unimposing harmony of notes made of black cherry, black currant, and a variety of ripe berries.

Paired with cured meats and cheeses, this cabernet sauvignon can be enjoyed by the fireplace starting Advent Sunday until the end of winter. (Of course, if you really want to, you can uncork a bottle in November, too, like I did.)

Although the Satyr Red is not a wine that was born to be in the spotlight, it’s still modestly impressive. It has character. You can expect your friends to say things like, “Mm, nice wine. What is it?”

Overall, it’s a smooth wine that can be enjoyed during cozy gatherings.

Review of a Lebanese Red Wine: Chateau Trois Collines Red Ample

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Trois Collines Red Ample 2019

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Name: Chateau Trois Collines Red Ample 2019
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot
Year: 2019
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: May 16, 2024

The Ample is an award-winning, smooth, medium-bodied red wine from North Bekaa. It’s slightly ferric, and it comes with strong notes of red fruits, especially cherries. I paired it with various types of strong cheeses, and I think it would be enough if I said that I enjoyed every sip as much as every bite.

Would I drink this wine again? Likely, yes. In general, the Sangiovese is not my favorite grape, but I liked this blend by Chateau Trois Collines.

And I wonder how this vintage will taste like five years from now.

Cigar Pairing: I believe a mild cigar with a claro or a Colorado wrapper would have enhanced the overall experience.

Château Kefraya Les Exceptions Syrah 2018

Lebanese Wines: Château Kefraya Les Exceptions Syrah 2018

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Name: Château Kefraya Les Exceptions Syrah 2018
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Syrah
Year: 2018
Country: Lebanon
Region: Beqaa Valley
Date Consumed: January 7, 2024

The occasional trip to Château Kefraya has never been a bad idea. Whenever I’m there, I get to try something special. And I usually go for the “Les Exceptions” bottles because you can’t find them elsewhere.

My favorite Les Exceptions bottle up until now is the Cabernet-Franc 2017 that I paired with the Cumpay Volcan Maduro cigar back in May 2022. But when I asked for it this time, they were out of stock. So, we tried the Syrah instead. And I’m happy that we did.

I got hints of red fruits, including strawberry, pomegranate, and cherry. It paired well with the full-bodied Oliva Serie V that I was smoking, and I was in great company, so there was nothing I could complain about.

I’d give it 80/100.