The 2018 Musar Rose is a blend of 57% Obaideh and 40% Merwah, two indigenous Lebanese white grapes thought to be related to Chardonnay and Semillon respectively. About 3% Cinsault is added for color during the press. Everything is fermented together and then aged for 9 months in barrel before resting in tank another 6 months. The wine is then bottled and held for release when the winery thinks it is ready to start drinking. The grapes that go into this wine are from some of Musar's highest altitude (some up to 1200m) lowest yielding vineyards and the white grapes are from vines planted between 1927 and 1940. The first vintage was 1995 and the rosé is not made every year. The 2018 is an ageworthy rosé if there ever was one, with its creamy texture, subtle floral tones, aromas of raspberry and vanilla from the oak. It is harmonious and long on the palate. This is a great rose to serve cool but not cold and is easily worthy of spending an evening with. This is truly an ideal pairing with the oily and meatier fishes you find in an Omakase style sushi menu. Perfect with that Spanish mackerel or some O-toro tuna!