Château Musar
Bekaa Valley Red Blend
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
It was Father’s Day and I had decided on grilled rack of lamb for dinner so I selected this bottle of 2011 Chateau Musar rouge from our cellar. According to Musar’s records, the 2011 vintage was one of the most challenging since the early 1990’s. It was ultimately a late-maturing vintage with harvest taking place on October 13th, the latest since the 1983 vintage!
I decanted this bottle about eight hours prior to dinner. It should be noted that immediately upon opening, the bouquet was strikingly gorgeous with powerful aromatics that were obvious from several feet away and this trait carried through until dinner time.
In the glass, the wine presents a deep garnet color. Slightly turbid with a near opaque core. On the nose, black plums, blackberries, cassis, tobacco, organic earth, exotic spices, leather, spiced meat, and pomegranate. I detect a touch of VA as well. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the nose with an added bit of red rope licorice. Lovely, long, savory…amazing. This was a brilliant compliment to the lamb (which was served with beets and goat cheese and fattoush) and everything I wanted in a Musar tonight. Drinking well now with a hefty decant and I expect well cellared examples to drink well past 2035.
It was Father’s Day and I had decided on grilled rack of lamb for dinner so I selected this bottle of 2011 Chateau Musar rouge from our cellar. According to Musar’s records, the 2011 vintage was one of the most challenging since the early 1990’s. It was ultimately a late-maturing vintage with harvest taking place on October 13th, the latest since the 1983 vintage!
I decanted this bottle about eight hours prior to dinner. It should be noted that immediately upon opening, the bouquet was strikingly gorgeous with powerful aromatics that were obvious from several feet away and this trait carried through until dinner time.
In the glass, the wine presents a deep garnet color. Slightly turbid with a near opaque core. On the nose, black plums, blackberries, cassis, tobacco, organic earth, exotic spices, leather, spiced meat, and pomegranate. I detect a touch of VA as well. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the nose with an added bit of red rope licorice. Lovely, long, savory…amazing. This was a brilliant compliment to the lamb (which was served with beets and goat cheese and fattoush) and everything I wanted in a Musar tonight. Drinking well now with a hefty decant and I expect well cellared examples to drink well past 2035.
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
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
2006. Classique. Que c est bon Musar!!!
2006. Classique. Que c est bon Musar!!!
Apr 5th, 2021
Unexpected surprise. Aromas of fruit, leather flagon and barnyard. Dense core of fruit and leather. Opened up nicely after a few hours. Pairing with halal chicken and rice actually worked.
Unexpected surprise. Aromas of fruit, leather flagon and barnyard. Dense core of fruit and leather. Opened up nicely after a few hours. Pairing with halal chicken and rice actually worked.
Jan 28th, 2021What a fabulous wine
Decanted and lots sediment left in bottle
Lovely floral tones with soft subtle tannins
Wine grew in stature over time and revealed complex nuances as it opened up
What a fabulous wine
Decanted and lots sediment left in bottle
Lovely floral tones with soft subtle tannins
Wine grew in stature over time and revealed complex nuances as it opened up
Loved it big time! Very inviting spicy nose, still going strong on the red fruit which is well wrapped by medium acidity. I think the best is still to come but nevertheless in its drinking window
Loved it big time! Very inviting spicy nose, still going strong on the red fruit which is well wrapped by medium acidity. I think the best is still to come but nevertheless in its drinking window
Apr 11th, 2020Till belugabolognesen passade det fint
Till belugabolognesen passade det fint
Aug 25th, 2019Vila. Tast Chateau Musar. 33% CS, 33% Cinsault, 33% Carignan. 41,50.
27.05.19
Vila. Tast Chateau Musar. 33% CS, 33% Cinsault, 33% Carignan. 41,50.
27.05.19
Musar night @ Divin
Pretty good 2011 red
Musar night @ Divin
Pretty good 2011 red