Château Musar
Bekaa Valley Red Blend
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
VA, dark licorice, allspice, brown sugar, banana, cedar, smoke, veal, dried bay leaf, candied red and black currants. Balanced between medium+ acidity, medium smooth tannins, and fruit concentration. Finished long.... Tasting while watching the excellent documentary Wine and War in which Serge was just chilling... in the warfare
VA, dark licorice, allspice, brown sugar, banana, cedar, smoke, veal, dried bay leaf, candied red and black currants. Balanced between medium+ acidity, medium smooth tannins, and fruit concentration. Finished long.... Tasting while watching the excellent documentary Wine and War in which Serge was just chilling... in the warfare
Feb 21st, 2021
This bottle was hand carried from the Middle East, seven years back, and my first time enjoying the 2002 since release. Cork was perfect. On the nose, some VA but nothing crazy. Notes of balsamic, teriyaki, sandalwood and charred meat. On the palate, still quite primary with dark cherries and dried dark fruits being predominate. Plenty of structure. The texture is remarkably fine and silky. Quite classy actually! Nevertheless, this isn’t the most soul stirring vintage of Musar Rouge. At nearly 19 years of age, this bottle still comes across as youthful with developing vinousity. Perhaps time will coax more out...but I suspect, as others have previously stated, that the 2002 is more of a modest wine by their standards...which is still quite delicious and enjoyable in its own right. This will easily live for another 10+ years.
This bottle was hand carried from the Middle East, seven years back, and my first time enjoying the 2002 since release. Cork was perfect. On the nose, some VA but nothing crazy. Notes of balsamic, teriyaki, sandalwood and charred meat. On the palate, still quite primary with dark cherries and dried dark fruits being predominate. Plenty of structure. The texture is remarkably fine and silky. Quite classy actually! Nevertheless, this isn’t the most soul stirring vintage of Musar Rouge. At nearly 19 years of age, this bottle still comes across as youthful with developing vinousity. Perhaps time will coax more out...but I suspect, as others have previously stated, that the 2002 is more of a modest wine by their standards...which is still quite delicious and enjoyable in its own right. This will easily live for another 10+ years.
Feb 17th, 2021
Undeniably Musar; VA for days (even after decanting 6 hours); rich red and black fruits; good pairing with Thanksgiving Beef Wellington
Undeniably Musar; VA for days (even after decanting 6 hours); rich red and black fruits; good pairing with Thanksgiving Beef Wellington
Nov 26th, 2020
What can one say—Musar tastes like Musar. This one at 19 was surprisingly youthful. Penetrating licorice root and herbs with plenty of currant flavor, leather, and good structure. Glad I have 2 bottles left as this one will develop further.
What can one say—Musar tastes like Musar. This one at 19 was surprisingly youthful. Penetrating licorice root and herbs with plenty of currant flavor, leather, and good structure. Glad I have 2 bottles left as this one will develop further.
Nov 12th, 2020
Revisiting a classic. Ample dark fruit nose, plums, dark chocolate and spices. Good body, silky tannins and a balsamic aftertaste.
Revisiting a classic. Ample dark fruit nose, plums, dark chocolate and spices. Good body, silky tannins and a balsamic aftertaste.
Sep 17th, 2020
Vintage 1999 | wow! A Burgundian smell with rosehip and barnyard, very impressive. Awesome balance and very long aftertaste. A treat!
Vintage 1999 | wow! A Burgundian smell with rosehip and barnyard, very impressive. Awesome balance and very long aftertaste. A treat!
Jun 9th, 2020Vintage 2001 | a matured Lady, classic, tertiaire tones, a bit drying aftertaste
Vintage 2001 | a matured Lady, classic, tertiaire tones, a bit drying aftertaste
Jun 9th, 2020
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.
Mar 27th, 2020
Always fun! In a great spot right now, but suggests a long life too
Always fun! In a great spot right now, but suggests a long life too
Mar 15th, 20201995 vintage. This bottle isn't as spectacular as the 1997 I've had recently, but it's still a great wine. High-toned nose with a level of volatile acidity that typically creates heated debates. It might turn off enologists, but enchant old-school Rioja lovers. Being more on the latter's side, this wine delivers on sheer complexity and length in an absolutely unique style. Well worth seeking out.
1995 vintage. This bottle isn't as spectacular as the 1997 I've had recently, but it's still a great wine. High-toned nose with a level of volatile acidity that typically creates heated debates. It might turn off enologists, but enchant old-school Rioja lovers. Being more on the latter's side, this wine delivers on sheer complexity and length in an absolutely unique style. Well worth seeking out.
Oct 15th, 2019