Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend

9.3146 ratings
9.441 pro ratings
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2000 Chateau Musar Grand Vin Rouge pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with some signs of sediment. On the nose, this is drop dead gorgeous with all the vibes I would come to expect from a 20+ year old Musar. Clearly a vinous wine with a wonderful mix of red and dark fruit; mostly ripe while some dried fruits are beginning to appear. Earthy characteristics were also playing a strong supporting role along with sweet pipe tobacco, leather, some red and purple flowers, some green herbs, exotic spices and there was a touch of brettanomyces but nothing out of control. On the palate, the wine was quite spry with ample structure still; firm tanning and lovely acid. The finish was long and simply to die for. Musar's Grand Vin Rouge is often compared to some of the great wines from Bordeaux however, I have traditionally eschewed this comparison as I have found these wines to be almost singular. That being said, this bottle was far and away the most relatable to Bordeaux that I have so far experienced. It should also be noted that this bottle came to me ex-chateau a couple of years back and provenance likely had something to do with the strength of this showing. It was a fabulous pairing with grilled lamb chops and fattoush. Based off this experience, I expect well stored examples to drink well for at least another decade and likely, longer than that.

Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2000 Chateau Musar Grand Vin Rouge pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with some signs of sediment. On the nose, this is drop dead gorgeous with all the vibes I would come to expect from a 20+ year old Musar. Clearly a vinous wine with a wonderful mix of red and dark fruit; mostly ripe while some dried fruits are beginning to appear. Earthy characteristics were also playing a strong supporting role along with sweet pipe tobacco, leather, some red and purple flowers, some green herbs, exotic spices and there was a touch of brettanomyces but nothing out of control. On the palate, the wine was quite spry with ample structure still; firm tanning and lovely acid. The finish was long and simply to die for. Musar's Grand Vin Rouge is often compared to some of the great wines from Bordeaux however, I have traditionally eschewed this comparison as I have found these wines to be almost singular. That being said, this bottle was far and away the most relatable to Bordeaux that I have so far experienced. It should also be noted that this bottle came to me ex-chateau a couple of years back and provenance likely had something to do with the strength of this showing. It was a fabulous pairing with grilled lamb chops and fattoush. Based off this experience, I expect well stored examples to drink well for at least another decade and likely, longer than that.

Jul 26th, 2023
Austin Hohnke

Last bottle of this vintage. Heavenly. Rum raisin, cranberry, old strawberries, carob, fig, earth, tobacco leaf. Silky, delicate, and resolved. Loads of sediment, not out of life but on its decline.

Last bottle of this vintage. Heavenly. Rum raisin, cranberry, old strawberries, carob, fig, earth, tobacco leaf. Silky, delicate, and resolved. Loads of sediment, not out of life but on its decline.

Dec 25th, 2022
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.4

A spicy meat a ball

A spicy meat a ball

Apr 21st, 2019
Weijie Shi (Jay)

Musar never disappoints. 00 and 03 were in almost perfect condition!

Musar never disappoints. 00 and 03 were in almost perfect condition!

Jun 17th, 2018
Sarah O'Kelley

Drinking great right now - tastes like autum!!

Drinking great right now - tastes like autum!!

Sep 4th, 2017
Raaj Chitaley

Please don't come here and drink all of this. Thanks.

Please don't come here and drink all of this. Thanks.

5 people found it helpfulJul 20th, 2014
Austin Hohnke

Second time I’ve had the pleasure of tasting this. The 2000 is in the pocket right now, firing on all cylinders. Complex, layered, and eye opening. Was fun to watch the reactions of those who were tasting Musar for the first time. Talk about a wine that gets the gears turning. Outstanding.

Second time I’ve had the pleasure of tasting this. The 2000 is in the pocket right now, firing on all cylinders. Complex, layered, and eye opening. Was fun to watch the reactions of those who were tasting Musar for the first time. Talk about a wine that gets the gears turning. Outstanding.

2 people found it helpfulDec 19th, 2021
Austin Beeman

A classic that gets only best with time. Smooth in texture but wild in temperament

A classic that gets only best with time. Smooth in texture but wild in temperament

1 person found it helpfulSep 15th, 2022
Sara Beer

We are big fans of Musar and this bottle almost pre-dates our marriage, quietly waiting in our cellar for the right moment. What a complex and delicious beauty, with a masterful weaving of brett and remarkably bright fruit.

We are big fans of Musar and this bottle almost pre-dates our marriage, quietly waiting in our cellar for the right moment. What a complex and delicious beauty, with a masterful weaving of brett and remarkably bright fruit.

1 person found it helpfulMar 27th, 2020
Lee Pitofsky

Refined, plenty of earth, red roses, raspberry, hints of tobacco and leather, firm tannins

Refined, plenty of earth, red roses, raspberry, hints of tobacco and leather, firm tannins

1 person found it helpfulSep 17th, 2018