Jan de Weerd

9.6

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. — 5 days ago

with Tammy

Jay Kline

9.1

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. — 18 days ago

Martijn

9.3

This is really at an excellent point where fruit and some tertiary notes are combining so good together. — 17 days ago

Todd Anderson

9.3

A fine, mature claret drinking in its prime. Enjoy! — 13 days ago

David White

9.3

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 — 19 days ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Very pure and bright considering the alcohol. Lovely plum and dark cherry. Tangy hints of tar. Rise. Pure and round. — 4 days ago

with Paul

Joe Flo

9.9

One of the best Continuum I’ve tasted. — 7 days ago

Jay Kline

9.7

Of all the American red wines that participated in the Judgement of Paris, it could be argued that Monte Bello has shown the greatest propensity to age. In fact, I would go as far as it requires lengthy cellaring to extract its best. I’ve had the good fortune to drink a number of tremendous vintages of Monte Bello over the last several years and this one has got to be at or near the top of the lot.

Opened and poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1991 Monte Bello pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core moving out towards a light ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart black currants, mixed bramble fruit, tobacco, some purple flowers, dill, mint, leather, earth, vanilla and associated baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. The structure remains tremendous which again, seems to indicate youth. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is super long and immensely satisfying. This is one of those wines that will outlive most humans. Drinking well now with a short decant but this has the gas to see 2061 with ease. — an hour ago

Adam Kincaid

9.6

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! — 19 days ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.3

This 26 year old Opus boasts savory herbs, mint, and licorice with intense aromas of blackberries, vanilla, and espresso. Decanted and drank almost immediately. A winner.
— 18 days ago

with Michael and Daniel