The 2009 is a blend produced from 75% Obaideh and 25% Merwah from 60-90 year old vines, grown in gravely soils with a limestone base. It was fermented and aged partly in oak barrels for 9 months and partly in stainless steel vats, with temperatures ranging between 65–72°F. Obaideh is high in natural grape sugars and low in acidity, yielding wine with a creamy texture and flavors of honey and lemons. Merwah is a light skinned grape variety with light citrus and nut flavors. Blended together they make a distinctive white wine with excellent aging potential. 2009 was a truly memorable year in the Bekaa Valley and a vintage of two halves – before and after the rain. There was a deluge of rain in late September, unprecedented since recordkeeping began in 1870. The late-ripening Obaideh and Merwah began arriving at the winery on the 15th and 21st October respectively, the Obaideh halved in yield but both grapes were superb in quality, with low PH and high acidity. The Chateau white of this year is a deep golden color with honeyed aromas, full of tropical fruits; pineapple, banana with warm, toasty buttery notes. The palate is rich in ripe yellow fruits, quince and apricot with the pineapple flavours following through. It also has dried fruits and almonds with oak ageing characters. This is a powerful vintage full of yellow fruits and honeycomb; there is a fine balance between the oily texture and fresh acidity. Cellared well, it will keep for decades.