The legendary Chateau Musar was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, although since 1959 it has been run by his two sons Serge and Ronald. Chateau Musar is located in an 18th Century castle in Ghazir, just fifteen miles north of Beirut, in Lebanon. The location, in the heart of a region that for many years was ravaged by civil war, placed demands on the Hochar family that most winemakers, fortunately, do not experience. The vineyards, which lie 30 miles east of Ghazir in the Bekaa Valley, were remarkably close to the frontline. Battle raged around the vines throughout the 1983 harvest, and Serge Hochar had to be smuggled in by small boat to make the wine. Similar conditions were endured in 1988 and 1989, and during the latter year both the Hochar family home and the Chateau Musar winery suffered direct hits from shelling. For a short while the wine cellars served a dual purpose, as they made excellent bomb shelters for the local people. HPF is a blend of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan with a splash of Grenache and is lightly oaked.

A delightful cherry-red in colour, the nose is floral and aromatic with notes of cherries and strawberries. Very balanced and elegant on the palate with further summer red fruit flavours. The acidity is fresh and the finish lingering. Overall a wine of great finesse and not a little depth. Try with roast pork loin and garlic, sauteed chicken a la Bordelaise (with potatoes and fried onion rings) or an artichoke and wild mushroom salad.