Tag: red wine

Review of the Lebanese wine Massaya Le Colombier by a Lebanese connoisseur, or, more precisely, a dilettante

Lebanese Wines: Massaya Le Colombier 2020

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Massaya Le Colombier 2020
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Tempranillo
Year: 2020
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: October 3, 2025

Young, balanced, and affordable. Massaya’s Le Colombier is amalgamation of red fruits, strawberry lollipop, and spices. It’s a smooth wine and is imbibed so easily that the bottle empties a little too quickly. One bottle isn’t enough for two, and two bottles is a little too much. Therefore, I suggest you do whatever you like with this information to derive maximum pleasure.

This wasn’t the first time I try Massaya’s Le Colombier, but it’s the first time I truly appreciate it. It’s one of those affordable, entry-level Lebanese red wines that everyone must try.

Review of Reserve Ammiq Chateau 2013 - Lebanon Wine Reviews

Lebanese Wines: Reserve Ammiq Chateau 2013

Chris Khatsch1 Comment

Name: Reserve Ammiq Chateau 2013
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
Year: 2013
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: September 18, 2025

A pleasant 12-year-old red wine made with 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cinsault, and 15% carignan. It was ferric, brick red, and fine sediment was present. It delivered strong notes of black fruits, black cherry, and oak. And then, hints of tobacco, dark chocolate, and leather.

Did I like it?
Yes. I almost emptied the whole bottle by myself. My wife only had one glass.

Will I purchase another bottle of Reserve Ammiq Chateau in the near future?
I’m not sure. Maybe. It’s an excellent wine, but there are many other excellent wines out there waiting for me.

Does it require further aging?
No, I don’t think so. I don’t think it will evolve to become any better than this.

Conclusion:
This is definitely a good Lebanese red wine to add to your wish list, but if I had to list the 10 or 15 Lebanese wines you should try first, the Reserve Ammiq Chateau wouldn’t make it on that list.

Cheers,

Review of Chateau Oumsiyat Rouge Desir

Lebanese Wines: Chateau Oumsiyat Rouge Desir 2021

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Name: Chateau Oumsiyat Rouge Desir 2021
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Syrah, Tempranillo
Year: 2021
Country: Lebanon
Region: Mount Lebanon
Date Consumed: April 10, 2025

Here we have a medium-bodied red wine with well-balanced tannins by Chateau Oumsiyat. Smooth and approachable, notes of red fruits and black fruits come together to elicit a pleasant overall experience. Nice aroma, nice flavor, nice structure, and a polite finish.

However, I personally expected more from this wine called Rouge Desir. I expected passion and lust in their liquid form.

Would I purchase another bottle? Yes.
Would I keep one in the cabinet for special occasions? No.
Would I age a bottle? No.
Would I suggest it to friends? Yes. It’s a nice blend, after all.