Cuvee du Fondateur 2017

Compare prices & find Cuvee du Fondateur 2017 on Wine-Searcher

Cuvee du Fondateur 2017

Karam Winery · Lebanon, Bekaa Valley

At a glance

Producer
Karam Winery
Region
Lebanon, Bekaa Valley
Grape variety
Blend (typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre)
Wine type
Red
Body
Full-bodied and Smooth
Sweetness
Dry
Typical price
$25-$40

Tasting profile

Fresh black fruit, cedar, subtle spice, and earth notes.

Evolution: Will develop more tertiary notes: leather, tobacco, truffle with age.

At peak: Balanced complex fruit and savory notes with silky tannins.

Structure

Acidity
Medium
Tannins
Medium to Firm
Alcohol
13.5-14%
Aging potential
8-12 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking
2025 to 2030
Optimal window
2022 to 2032
Current status
Approaching early maturity
Current condition
Youthful fruit and developing complexity

The wine's moderate tannin and acidity structure plus quality 2017 vintage allows integration and complexity to develop over a 10-year window, with peak drinking 5-8 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roasted game birds, rich stews, aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature
16-18°C / 61-64°F
Decant
Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Karam Winery employs sustainable farming practices typical for Bekaa Valley including water conservation and limited chemical input; however, specifics are limited.

While not formally certified, the winery demonstrates moderate sustainable farming and environmental stewardship practices typical for high-quality Bekaa Valley estates, with some room for improvement in certifications and packaging sustainability.