Delicious sauce blanc. Juicy, citrus notes. Drinkable. No bite. Round — 4 years ago
Opened and poured into a ship decanter for two hours before being returned to the bottle another couple of hours prior to dinner at Le Bouillon. A golden color that seem lighter on the rim. On the nose, this is eminently rustic with stone fruits, wild flower honey, echinacea and butterscotch. On the palate, not nearly as oxidative as the nose would suggest. In fact, this is remarkably fresh with bright apricot and nondescript tropical fruits. Medium-plus acid. The finish is long and somewhat saline. A wine of brilliant texture. A stunning pairing with marinated octopus and was delightful with the other courses of our meal as well. A small portion was left for further evaluation the following day. I am happy to report that it held up very well indeed. The late Serge Hochar once said that his white wines seem to gain freshness with age. The 2005 vintage shows there is likely truth to his assessment. Well cellared examples should drink well for at least another decade. I, for one, look forward to checking in on these for many years to come. — 4 years ago
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 — 6 months ago
A powerful and expressive red blend from the Faust Estate Vineyard located in the Coombsville sub-AVA, Napa Valley. This is a 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot that generously offers a compelling level of red fruits with just-right-ripen cherries.
Both; the nose and palate concours on the concentrated flavors. It has a tremendous mouthfeel with a palpable high acidity, and spices, making it savory enough to either pair it with food or just having as a sipper.
This V.2021 was ranked #4 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2024. The 2021 vintage in Napa Valley was a result of the drought conditions, and the lower-than-average rainfall led to a mild spring/summer, that extended the development of the growing grapes and harvest period. So, wines were more powerful than compared to other recent vintages. Cheers! — 2 months ago
Smooth right out of the bottle. Limestone, blackberries, and prunes. With a little spice at the end. — 9 months ago
Ericsson
This, is solid Napa Cab. — 2 months ago