Red Blend

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011

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
— 3 days ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Château Léoville-Las Cases

Grand Vin de Leoville du Marquis de las Cases Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Tight as a drum at open. Loosened to trampoline tension after 2 hours. Finally was loose after 4. Spicy and hefty. More inward. A sophisticated mix and quite good but as with most Leoville Las Cases it needs to sit longer for the next iteration. — 9 days ago

Andrew, Daniel and 19 others liked this
GaryWEdwards

GaryWEdwards


Ironically, I just enjoyed a bottle of this in London and fully agree with your assessment. I am looking forward adding to my cellar. I have ‘82, ‘89, ‘01, ‘05, and ‘16 and it’s obvious that ‘09 needs to be in the mix. Only a couple of years for this juice to step to the next level and maybe
even before ‘05 . Nice find
@Vino Joe

Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2002

Mmmmh...aged Bordeaux. Is there anything in the world thats better???? Happy new year!!! — 2 days ago

David, ESF and 14 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

Absolutely, not! Cheers & HNY! 🍷

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 1986

Happy New Year Delectable!

Double decant and pour. A splendid tawny red color. On the nose: dark fruit, cigar ash, cedar, smoked meat, pencil shavings, mint. Taste: soft, silky, elegant, still fresh wine with dark red fruit, worn leather, graphite, loamy soil, spiced herbs, minty black tea and a dry medium finish. YUM! What a fun wine to end 2024 with. A wine bought at auction, and a cork which was not in the best shape, so not sure if this is a true representation of where this wine is at.

FOOD:
Island creek oyster and cavier
Lobster butternut bisque
Pan roasted duck breast
Braised beef short rib
Black forest chocolate cake
— 2 days ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Bryan and 17 others liked this

Château Latour

Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Endless black fruit, endless aroma. Cedar, wax, truffle, pomegranate, earth. Simply amazing, graceful & meandering. Happy new year. — a day ago

Bob, Shay and 1 other liked this

Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2016

My second time trying the 2016 vintage. I’ll hang on to my remaining bottles as it’s only getting better. — 2 days ago

David, Peter and 2 others liked this

Château Margaux

Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

My crazy BIL did it again. Same rating with one add’l thought: 20+ years to go but divine now with decant.
“Lithe, feminine nose led a nicely delineated palate of dark red fruit, cigar box and velvety tannins. Wonderful.”
— 5 days ago

Jose, Vino and 23 others liked this

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Opened the bottle several hours in advance. Great tannic structure, still lots of fruit and some secondary flavors; nothing tertiary yet. Try again in a few years but great now — 6 hours ago

Austin, Peter and 1 other liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2014

With a four hour decant this bottle was brilliant! Notes of cedar, tobacco, cassis, dried blueberries it was an excellent accompaniment to the Matsuzaya beef — 8 days ago

Paul, Peter and 4 others liked this

Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia

Unico Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend 2004

A top vintage for Unico, and one to live forever, 04 is in an amazing spot, decadently layered and hedonistic with an impeccable balance of both power and elegance. The palate is expansive, silky and rich with melting tannins and massive length. A stellar Unico. — 18 days ago

Joe, Tom and 8 others liked this