Carignan 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
— a month ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Quintessa

Rutherford Red Blend 2010

I was impressed how well this 15 year old has held up. I’ve got a few more to indulge in before too long. No point in not enjoying while they’re still tasting wonderful. — 2 days ago

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

This was still youthful showing black currant, plum, cassis, cedar, damp earth, menthol, sweet spice & tobacco. — 5 days ago

Jean-Philip, Ira and 19 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend 2022

Zach D
9.1

On the nose black raspberry, black cherry, Asian five spice, some black tea. Good dose of acidity for a zin based wine; some tannin as well. More black raspberry, black cherry, hint of smoke, blackberry and spice on the palate. I don’t usually go for this type of wine (higher etoh, somewhat warmer and riper style) however given the old vine character, Ridge is a producer I do come back to every once and a while. Did hit the spot on a cold night. — 3 days ago

Pooneet, Ira and 7 others liked this

Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2010

Very earthy and complex. There was considerable depth to the wine. It was excellent now but you tell this one should be a treasure for many more years. Blueberries, cassis and a bit of a smokiness. — 5 days ago

Tom, Ed and 18 others liked this

Bollinger

Special Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend

Approachable, a tad juicy with real elegance. — 10 days ago

Tom, Ira and 6 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2010

[Tasted on January 25, 2025 at Home with Tom, Kathy, Mark and Lucille]

84% Cabernet Sauvignon; 5.5% Merlot; 5.5% Cabernet Franc; 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Blackberry and black currant fruit, with chocolate, espresso, earth and a mineral note. Nicely balanced.
— 3 days ago

Joseph, Ted and 5 others liked this

Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 1996

Opened and double decanted several hours prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1996 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a lovely combination of ripe and desiccated fruit: cassis, brambles, horse blanket, cigar box, old leather, earth and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Another lovely and immensely charming Poyferré. Drink now with a decant and through 2046. — 11 days ago

Daniel, Jeroen and 23 others liked this

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 2012

Nothing like a magnum of Dom to celebrate a new year with the team — 13 days ago

Pooneet, LM and 7 others liked this

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Yellow Label Brut Champagne Blend

Pale gold with fine bubbles. Blossom, apple, pear, tangerine, lemon, brioche, and toasted almond. Dry, medium body. Well-balanced acidity with a crisp, medium-plus finish. You can find this stuff almost anywhere these days. But I must say, I still like it.
— 20 days ago