The 2014 vintage was the last harvest while Serge Hochar was still alive. He tragically drowned while on holiday, NYE in 2014. I have no logical reason to be wary of Musar’s future as the team involved in producing the wines have been in place for some time. However, Serge’s death was for me, the loss of an wine hero. This is my first experience with the 2014 and I can’t help but reflect on the unforgettable experiences I’ve had drinking wines that he produced.
Decanted for several hours prior to dinner, the wine appears a deep purple turning garnet after plenty of air with an opaque core. High intensity, medium+ viscosity, a touch of sediment. On the nose, this is a wild carnival for the senses with cherries, mulberries, rhubarb pie, Twin Bing, harissa, kofta, pipe tobacco, oud, teriyaki, and event canned peaches (though only after some time in the glass). On the palate, things are much more modest with a very compelling cherry compote and bright cranberry notes with some tobacco and baking spices. Very primary at this stage. Medium tannin with medium+ acid. The finish long…forever and a day with dried cherries and dates bringing me home. While still an infant, this is shaping up to be a lovely and long-lived vintage of Musar Rouge. Cheers, Serge. Your legacy lives on. — 3 years ago
2013 FDR3. Red-hued dark brunette body with bib bubbles, big textured, loose and frothy. Just dud spots left and moth wing scatter of pressed flower residual. Awesome sour cherry, baked persimmon, aged balsamic over steamed carrot, peppercorn, and toasty oak scents disperse, while chutney and pickled apricot take the spotlight, locked in a dark embrace. This may be the perfect sour. Smooth from oak, but sweet with vanillin and cola-malt, and sharpness from grapefruit, sour apricot, sweet potato sugar baked black. Blackened cinnamon-soaked apples, dried, brined bing cherry flavors, grilled lime, with autumnal spice and landscape sensibilities flowing smoothly in between. Astounding. — 5 years ago
12 jaar oud en nog heel vitaal!! Heerlijke droge Riesling. — 3 years ago
Beer-in-box giver god mening når øllet er en lambic af den gamle skole! — 4 years ago
Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2016, with its 15% alcohol content, presents itself in a medium purple hue, showcasing a youthful vitality that betrays no signs of age.
Upon nosing, this wine exudes an intense bouquet of cherry and plum, accompanied by subtle undertones of liquorice, chocolate, dried rosemary flower, vanilla, and sandalwood. It resonates akin to a more refined variation of Tom Ford's Oud Wood fragrance, capturing the essence of luxury.
On the palate, the wine's silky tannins offer a velvety texture that envelopes the senses. It boasts a full-bodied nature, leaving a lingering finish that is complemented by its notable acidity, a hallmark of quality craftsmanship.
To recommend this wine as sumptuous would be an understatement. Its addictive allure is undeniable, making it an excellent choice for any delightful occasion. Whether indulged in now or given the opportunity to mature gracefully in the cellar, the Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2016 receives a distinguished score of 97, solidifying its status as a standout choice for wine enthusiasts. — a year ago
Idiosyncratic orange wine that is now more rust/brown… dizzying nose - almost impossible to encapsulate: dried orange rind, yellow orchard fruit, potpourri, spice but more like herbal bitters, incense like oud, savory, burnt caramel, etc. Just amazing. Fleshy on palate, drinks bigger than one would expect. Structured if a bit lumbering, more austere on palate w/yellow pitted fruit & umami. Great length & persistence, grippy, bitter mixed w/sweet spice like cinnamon. Cerebral stuff — 3 years ago
11 jaar oud maar nog helemaal in shape, heerlijke Titon — 4 years ago
Peter van den Besselaar
NV | a Petrus that I can afford | with Alsace choucroute — a month ago