The 2019 Figeac is without question one of the wines of the vintage. All the promise it showed as a young barrel sample, is all there in bottle, too. Estate Director Frédéric Faye crafted a towering, statuesque Figeac built on vertical energy and a feeling of vibrancy that never lets up. Deep layers of red/purplish fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint and dried flowers are framed by a super-classic expression of structure that keeps things in balance. There is a bit more Cabernet Franc in this year's blend, and that definitely comes through. Readers who can find the 2019 should not hesitate, as it is truly majestic. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, February 2022)
— 3 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
Delicious sauce blanc. Juicy, citrus notes. Drinkable. No bite. Round — 4 years ago
Full bodied white, a Valais specialty with taste of Linden. Perfect pairing to the rich Chinese Dishes @ China Garden, Zermatt. Tomorrow lockdown of Restaurants starts here too 😩 — 5 years ago
Smooth right out of the bottle. Limestone, blackberries, and prunes. With a little spice at the end. — 10 months ago
Not only is this a weekend to remember those who have lost their lives for us, but it’s a sad weekend for me. I lost a longtime friend to cancer yesterday. We went to high school together in Iceland and we both served in the Navy. Normally this would be our weekend to get together and hang out at the pool, drinking beer and listening to 80’s music. RIP Faye I’ll miss you my friend — 3 years ago
David White
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