Tom Elliot

Founder Northwest Wines

9.1

This is the *Dry* Riesling 2002 and at 23 years it’s still very good. Mature for sure but with its faculties intact. There’s a pretty big buzz about Finger Lakes Riesling these days but excellent wines there were made way back then and earlier as well. — 2 days ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.2

Another great vintage. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark fruits, spice and herb notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry, with notes of herb pepper, licorice and herb spice notes. Fine grippy tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, cacao and spice. — 4 months ago

Boris Mathiszik

8.9

Pear and pineapple aromas. Good acidity. Good Santa Barbara stuff. — 24 days ago

WC Fields

9.4

Amongst friends. Always raises the score. — a month ago

Raul Puga

9.6

Wow. Amazing wine. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

It is customary for the wines of Chateau Musar to be released seven years post-vintage. However, in 2013, the decision was made to hold the vintage back. 2006 was unusual for two reasons. The first, were the cool climatic conditions in the Bekaa; the likes of which had not been seen since the 1950’s. There was a two-week period in winter where the valley was blanketed in snow and mild temperatures remained in effect throughout much of the growing season. The second was much more tragic: 2006 was a war year in Lebanon. On July 12th of that year, Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a bloody conflict that lasted (officially) a little over a month. Sadly, thousands of lives were lost. In 2017, eleven years after harvest, the 2006 vintage was deemed ready for release.

Poured into a decanter about 90min prior to service. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black cherry, blackberries, black currants, tobacco, horse blanket, leather, some red and purple flowers, dried herbs and Eastern spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and absolutely delicious. A triumph and perfect with lamb chops. Drink now through 2046+.

How Chateau Musar endures to make wines from the Bekaa remain one of the great examples of human grit and determination available in the world of wine. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle this vintage ever made it to the winery. — 5 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Dog Point Vineyard combines experience of Ivan and Margaret Sutherland & James and Wendy Healy. Ivan and James met while working at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Light straw with typical SB aromas adding a touch of floral mineral notes. On the palate flavors of melon and grapefruit with citrus and honeysuckle notes, generous acidity, great mouthfeel with long finish ending with a salty spice character. Exceptional wine! — a month ago

Kristen Grimes

9.7

Yummy stone fruit aromas, round on the palate with soft but tart lemon curd acidity, nectarine flavors, and peach skin texture. — 2 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on May 25, 2025 at The Optimist in Nashville with Jay]

73% Cabernet Sauvignon; 16% Malbec; and 11% Merlot. Red plum, black raspberry and cherry fruit, with mocha, chocolate and baking spices. Creamy and well balanced. Philippe Melka is the consulting winemaker — 5 months ago