Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2000 Chateau Musar Grand Vin Rouge pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with some signs of sediment. On the nose, this is drop dead gorgeous with all the vibes I would come to expect from a 20+ year old Musar. Clearly a vinous wine with a wonderful mix of red and dark fruit; mostly ripe while some dried fruits are beginning to appear. Earthy characteristics were also playing a strong supporting role along with sweet pipe tobacco, leather, some red and purple flowers, some green herbs, exotic spices and there was a touch of brettanomyces but nothing out of control. On the palate, the wine was quite spry with ample structure still; firm tanning and lovely acid. The finish was long and simply to die for. Musar's Grand Vin Rouge is often compared to some of the great wines from Bordeaux however, I have traditionally eschewed this comparison as I have found these wines to be almost singular. That being said, this bottle was far and away the most relatable to Bordeaux that I have so far experienced. It should also be noted that this bottle came to me ex-chateau a couple of years back and provenance likely had something to do with the strength of this showing. It was a fabulous pairing with grilled lamb chops and fattoush. Based off this experience, I expect well stored examples to drink well for at least another decade and likely, longer than that. — 2 months ago
I like it! — 21 days ago
Really nice rose. Dry, crisp, cherry flavor. — a month ago
Just so pretty, inky in decanter, immediately sported intoxicating notes of cherry, red currant, incense, herbaceousness, bell pepper, leafy greens, musty, earthy, just a whirlwind of aromas at once Bordeaux like with a whiff of southern France. Med weight w/generous extraction & concentration of flavors, secondary flavors really shine making this fantastic food wine… just enough acidity to keep things moving thru generous finish. @Andrew Holod this is one of the estates I visited - great QPR as well. — 4 months ago
Plum, tobacco, old man at sea — a month ago
Light and silky, powerful flavors. — 3 months ago
Nicely balanced. Brett adds complexity but it’s overall resolved and elegant, though well beyond its peak with a short finish — 4 months ago
Brett Vanderbrook
Sitting on the precipice of primary and tertiary. Still has bright fruit notes with high acidity and just enough tannins that it would still pair well with food. But it also has forest floor, mossy stone, leather, cigar box. It will probably age longer knowing Mussar, but this wine has definitely hit its stride and is absolutely singing right now. — a month ago