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 — 14 days ago

Jackie T

9.0

Tasty and at a great price! We’ll buy more — 4 months ago

with Matt

Severn Goodwin

9.1

2010 | Chardonnay
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix; Vaillon 1er Cru
Burgundy; Chablis, France
(90-92; Drink 2025-33)

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading John WILLIAMS (Violin Concerto No. 2, written specifically for the intended soloist this evening) featuring the violin virtuoso, Anne-Sophie Mutter, STRAUSS (Death and Transfiguration, Opus 24) and then RAVEL (La Valse). — a year ago

"Odedi"

9.1

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Light nose of red fruits with oak, licorice, spices, chocolates and moca.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with red cherries, currants, wood, spices, coffee, earth, dark chocolates, tobacco leaf, herbs and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 6 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is drinking very nicely now. Tasty and easy drinking. Rich and extracted.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years. Needs 3 hours to open up properly, so be patient.

Nicely balanced and feels like a Right Bank Bordeaux red.

Good by itself as a sipping wine.

100% Merlot grapes were aged in (33% new) French and American Oak barrels for 18 months.

14.3% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$60. — 11 days ago

Roger Ray

9.3

"after harvesting from vines with deep roots in the rocky soil on the banks of the Mayuco river, Raul and his brother Alvaro chose to go organic and use no oak, letting this stallion of a wine rip with spice, pepper and ripe fruit. Mineral notes hit once on the palate followed by a long finish." — 8 months ago

Dutchbastard

9.2

I'm glad I waited to open this one up next day even better — 2 years ago

with Jim

Thien Bui

9.2

Well made lovely — a month ago

Jack Petras

9.2

This 2022 is next level. Have had several Rhône whites recently and this is a standard bearer. So focused. About editing and restraint with subtle hints of this and that without hitting you over the with anything. Dominated by Rousanne which explains its elegance and subtlety. Has a honeyed fresh slightly poached apricot and apple combo with whiffs of baking spices. Great Lacey quartz structure. Beguiling.. perfect with scallops, acorn squash and rice pilaf — 2 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

Tasting the 1990 Léoville Las Cases just a few days after the 1989, it is clear which is the best vintage…this one. It has a sublime nose of melted black fruit, tar, cedar and bay leaf that shrugs off the heat of that summer better than most others. At 33 years of age, you could just lose yourself in these aromatics. The palate is clearly holding up well: beautifully defined and supple yet with typical Las-Cases backbone and depth. It builds magnificently in the glass toward a harmonious finish that reminds me of the 1985 in terms of its fleshiness. Wonderful. Tasted at the Lia's Wings/book dinner at Medlar restaurant. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
— a year ago

Brian Ager

9.0

A delicious left bank Bordeaux which greatly beneifted from a 60+ minute decant. The nose presents fig jam & blueberry along with notes of anise, cocoa, and pencil lead.  The palate is impressively well balanced with flavors of blueberry and blackberry along with tertiary notes of sage & leather along with well integrated tannins and a bright acidity. Paired equally well with both filet mignon on day 1 & burgers on day 2! ($33) [5/27/22] — 3 years ago