Ixsir Grande Reserve 2009

Have you read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho? It is the story of a

young shepherd from Andalousia who, after a recurrent dream, headed to

the East for a treasure hunt... And that treasure hunt became, with

the help of an alchemist, a spiritual quest of his own self, of his

dreams and destiny. This story is a little bit that of Gabriel Rivero,

the spanish winemaker who embarked on a journey which, with the help

of Hady Kahale and Naji Seikali, led him to Batroun, where he is

making Ixsir. What a beautiful adventure!

The quest of Arab medieval alchemy was that of a liquid substance

named "Al-Iksir", or "Ixsir", that would allow for the transmutation

of base metals into gold. What a magical name for a wine! I am sure

that when the three friends, Gabriel, Hady and Naji, thought of a name

for their project, they thought of magic, of alchemy, of dreams and

ambition.

It is precisely amibition that characterizes the domaine today, the

will of using the most modern techniques to enhance the natural

quality of the Lebanese terroir, and it works!

The Cabernet-Sauvignon and Syrah blend is the one I prefer, and that

is the reason why Ixsir Grande Reserve 2009 seduces me. Its oaky and

soft spicy notes, associated to the strength of red berries, give it a

strong Mediterranean character that brings me joy. But above all, I

must admit that I like to think of myself as an alchemist when I open

a bottle of Ixsir Grande Reserve... — with IXSIR.

Monastere St Jean – Cuvee Zakher 2010

The fog was slowly lifting from the sea towards the Metn mountains. It was early morning in Khonchara, above Bickfaya, and one could barely see the Monastery of Saint John. Then, out of the watery mist, the pine forest appeared and, in the middle of it, the terraced vineyards... How beautiful you are, oh Mediterranea!

Abouna Charbel, the winemaking monk, was quickly harvesting the grapes before the weather became too hot. He was telling me the story of Abdallah Zakher - a layman who brought the first printing press with Arabic letters to the Monastery in 1720, to whom he pays homage with his wine. "The Cuvée Zakher is pure blackberry!", he said with a tremendous enthousiasm, as always when he talks about his wine.

But there is also pine resin, incense, spices and freshness... How good you taste, oh Mediterranea!

Cheers ~  Salim.

Nakad - Coteaux de la Bekaa - Blanc 2010

I sat under the medlar tree in front of the Nakad family house, in Jdita - Bekaa, with Salim, the family Patriarch: white hair, white moustache... a true postcard! 

He talked about nature, about how, the day before, a bird was pecking a ripe grape; how the bird then became dizzy, probably drunk, and lay down a little before flying away again... What a beautiful story!

The maturity of the grape is also that of the winery. Since 1923, three generations have shared the same passion, a passion for vines, nature, soil - a passion for wine.

The white wine that Jalal, Salim's son, has created is a blend that was never tried before in Lebanon: Sauvignon, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Bourboulenc gives it floral notes, Clairette vigour and a touch of nervousness, and Sauvignon provides it with notes of grapefruit and passion fruit. A perfect equilibrium.

There is also a medlar tree on the terrasse of the Hangout. I often sit beside it and will no longer forget to drink a glass of Nakad white wine there: "to your health, Salim Nakad!"

Cheers ~ Salim.

Les Emirs 2008, Chateau St Thomas

The princes of the Lebanese mountains - Maan, Chehab, Fakhr el-Dine... - have shaped the identity of the country. Chateau St Thomas pays them a tribute with this very special cuvee.

The Touma family knows that wine is the roots of a country, the expression of its terroir, the heritage of its history. They created a very nice blend, with a little note of Grenache that adds fruit and spices to the body. The grenache blends fabulously with the balsamic vinegar sauce of the duck breast that I had for lunch today. Les Emirs 2008 adds freshness and crispiness to the tannins and strength of the Bekaa wines... It is the East, the Thousand and one nights, and the Emirs can be proud of their Emirate!

Cheers ~ Salim. with Chateau St Thomas - Lebanon

Chateau Khoury Rosé de Rêve 2011

Paris 2010, first encounter with Jean-Paul Khoury.

Salim: So tell me, Jean-Paul, why isn't there any Rosé in your range of wines?

Jean-Paul: I don't like Rosé wines!

A few years later, he still hasn't changed his mind but has created Rosé de Rêve, a little gem... What would it be if he started liking Rosé?!! 

Instinctive, young, passionate and talented, Jean-Paul is a major asset in the lebanese world of winemaking.

A beautiful acidity, notes of strawberry, freshness... it is Spring found in a glass, what a treat! 

Cheers ~ Salim  _ with Chateau Khoury