Mike Evans

9.2

Rating how it is showing now, it just needs time — a day ago

Ignacio D. Cenicacelaya

9.7

Dark berry notes with a light peppery spice and mild tannins. — 17 days ago

Ira Schwartz

9.5

While not as intense as on release this is no where near a shrinking violet. The nose is starting to strut with scents of apple , brioche and nuts.That first taste still makes you recoil and salivate. Lemons , limes , biscuits, and a touch of butterscotch. Very long finish . Developing into everything I hoped for. — 4 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2018 is a fairly classic expression of Beaucastel with a mixed bramble fruit set, underbrush, herbs and spices in lovely balance. Good structure. While still on the youthful side, the 2018 is already showing well and was an awesome accompaniment with a wagyu burger. Drink now through 2038. — an hour ago

Daniel M

9.2

You're not 40 every day and I wanted a special wine to celebrate that special day. Fortunately the wine bar / open kitchen restaurant we went to had that special wine, amongst 400 references, that I had been desperate to taste for a long while. I didn't take notes so it's all from memory, but the nose is what I liked the most. Coconut notes, leather, cherries, coffee... I spent probably 15 minutes in total smelling that wine. The palate was great with some acid drive, some matter but not in an overwhelming way, some gentle, well integrated tannins in the rear, before a long finish with savoury notes, red fruits, coconut and that gentle grainy tannic layer. A great experience to top up a day to remember.
Oh and if you happen to be in Warsaw, Poland and be looking for a great wine place, make sure to check our Kontakt - wino & bistro. — 15 days ago

Cameron Parry

9.4

26 years on and still going strong. Likely doesn’t have a lot of time left. Took about 2 hours to fully open then it was all dried cherries, spice and silky tannins. — 11 days ago

Tom Garland

9.3

Happy New Year Delectable!

Double decant and pour. A splendid tawny red color. On the nose: dark fruit, cigar ash, cedar, smoked meat, pencil shavings, mint. Taste: soft, silky, elegant, still fresh wine with dark red fruit, worn leather, graphite, loamy soil, spiced herbs, minty black tea and a dry medium finish. YUM! What a fun wine to end 2024 with. A wine bought at auction, and a cork which was not in the best shape, so not sure if this is a true representation of where this wine is at.

FOOD:
Island creek oyster and cavier
Lobster butternut bisque
Pan roasted duck breast
Braised beef short rib
Black forest chocolate cake — 5 days ago

with Brenda

Jane Nuss

9.1

Medium ruby in color with pronounced intensity. Aromas include blackberry, black cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, with hints of mint, clove, dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, and earth. Dry, with medium acidity and medium-plus tannins. Balanced and complex with a long finish.
— 7 days ago

Paul J

9.5

Great wines for Family Christmas and New Year’s Eve!! No formal notes but rated appropriately. — 5 days ago

with Brooke

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 — 6 days ago