Alasdair Elwick is general manager of the Samling, Windermere

Chateaux Musar, Lebanon, 2003

An unusual suspect that I enjoy greatly especially at this time of year is the world famous Chateau Musar from the Lebanon.

The winery has been in production since 1930 and produced superb wines every year, even with obvious dangers in the war-torn country, bar the exception on the 1976 vintage.

The 2003 vintage is my particular favourite with a deep intense ruby colour; the aromas are interesting with a cigar, toasted bread and eastern fruit spice.

On the palate, there are mature fruits such as figs, red cherries with hints of tobacco and chocolate.

This wine is intense in flavour and very robust with a strong backbone, it has a great finish and is easy on the tannin.

Chateaux Musar, Lebanon 2003 available at Berry Brother £29.50