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 — 15 days ago

Steve Reiss

9.1

Nice Paso juice - bought it at their going out of business sale! — a year ago

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9.7

The 2001 Sloan is a brooding powerhouse. Dark, inky and super-concentrated, the 2001 possesses tremendous textural richness from start to finish. Blackberry jam, licorice, cloves, new leather, mocha and French oak all build in the glass. The 2001 is still quite fresh and deep, but it is also heading into its plateau of maturity. All that said, the 2001 has aged well, although it is very much a wine of its era, with huge fruit and equally heavy torrefaction flavors from the oak. Beyond that, there isn't much else to say except that the 2001 is in a great spot for drinking right now. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. This was Martha McClellan's first vintage at Sloan. Mark Aubert made the 2000 and then departed in July of the following year. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2023) — 2 years ago

Ron R

9.4

Nose presents baking spices and a touch of soft brown sugar. Palate is dense and layered, as usual for this producer (before the winery changed hands the first time around). Notes of coffee, tobacco and maple syrup come through on the mid palate. Nice tannin/acidity combination complete what is a classic BV presentation. Drink these within the 24 months. This winery has been on the slide ever since Ed Snyder and team departed. I tasted some of the 18’s and 19’s and they were a mere shadow of the previous product.
Fasano, Angra dos Reis (wifey’s b/day 😍). — 3 months ago

with Anne-marie

CA Haynam

9.1

Deep purple, light fruit scent, jammy with a medium tannic finish. Very nice — 2 years ago

Jason Hutcherson

9.0

Very nice Cali Temp. — 3 years ago

David Langstaff

9.3

Slow to open. Acidic for first few hours. Balanced out in time. Wonderful nose. Cannot mistake for other than a great burgundy. Great leathery base. Bright fruit has departed (which is good). Slight hint of backend oxidation. Drinks wonderfully after 12-18 hrs! — 3 years ago

with Sarah, Lee and 3 others

Sarah Norman

9.0

Delayed disengorgement — 7 months ago

Tim L

8.9

Much better than expected with the bigness of the Russian River with the full flavored body and smoothness of the valley. Almost reminiscent of Mueller wines single vineyard, now departed. Will buy again… — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

We first tried a bottle of Celestins in a restaurant in Gigondas some years ago, and for me it was a WOW Wine. Had this latest bottle on Sunday with Roast Pork. Medicinal to begin with which blew off. Barnyard aromas - horse manure. In hindsight this could’ve been Brett but the overall impression and tasting was impressive and memorable. Glad I have 3 left. Showing a medium to full bodied palate. This is textbook CdP in the old school genre. The tannins are silky and sexy - a liquorice note together with saddle leather. Henri Bonneau passed away in 2016 and the wine making is now carried out by his son, Marcel. A visit to his archaic cellars was keenly sought after and rarely granted. Mould all over the walls, rickety stairs light bulbs dangling from the ceiling and a floor which stuck to the soles of your shoes was how one visitor described his experience in the cellar. Nevertheless this is a CdP up there with Rayas and the top Cuvée from Beaucastel. The blend is usually 90% Grenache with the balance made up of around 4 or 5 different varieties. — 2 years ago