Was handed a glass of this and without even knowing anything was incredibly impressed. Thought it to be a French wine too, had no inkling it was Napa Cab. Beautiful purple colors that showcases a robust and complex bouquet of blackberries, dark cherry, tobacco, and chocolate. Has some spices too but they are pinned back by the fruit. Medium tannins with medium+ acids, super smooth and well balanced. Vanilla cola, cedar, black currants and more tobacco and chocolate give it a robust and lively blend. Great finish! — 16 days ago
It’s 10 years since Serge. Hochar’s death whilst swimming in Acapulco on NYE 2014 and I think it’s appropriate to celebrate his legacy that is the modern Chateau Musar.
I first tasted Lebanese wines in London circa 1986 when I used to go to a couple of Lebanese restaurants in Shepherds Market near Mayfair in London
Al Hamra is still in business
I’ve been to Beirut several times and always stock up at the airport duty free
So a toast to a departed icon of the wine world
Since my last 2011 4.5 years ago (see note) this has aged wonderfully and I’ve up my rating several points
Another few years and it will be further improved
Optimal decant time was around 3.5 to 4 hours
Ethereal stuff — 15 days ago
Presented double-blind. The wine pours a slightly translucent garnet with an orange rim; medium viscosity with moderate staining and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of dried and ripe, red and black fruits: brambles, Bing cherry, old wood and old leather bound books, baking chocolate, grated nutmeg, organic earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ (resolved) tannins and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Called Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend from France, Bordeaux, Left Bank, Medoc, 1990. LOL…that’s pretty close! For those wondering, the bottle was opened and decanted for sediment several hours prior. For my palate, Duhart-Milon needs decades to become interesting. Fully mature now though, this has at least a decade of enjoyable life left. — 15 days ago
It was way more complex and balanced than 20 would suggest..medium body with medium acidity.. get the berries and tobacco and maybe slight licorice (or something lime it) wish i had eaten som meat with it. — 8 days ago
Jan de Weerd
Highlight of the night! And a surprise to some degree. I kind off had given up on Lynch Bages. Given the high price, to me, the 2015 and 2016 were below expectation. But, boy, this 2018 rung all bells. Super concentrated, layers of evolving dark cherry, blueberry, current flavors and a superb balanced finish. All one could wish for. — 2 days ago