Cinsault
Boekenhoutskloof
The Chocolate Block Cinsault Blend
2021
Excellent - well rounded, full — a month ago
Château Musar
Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011
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 — 22 days ago
Château Musar
Musar Jeune Rouge Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Blend is actually 50% Cinsault, 35% Syrah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark inky ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black and blue berry fruit, violets and tobacco. The rich palate features flavors of cooked black cherry, blueberry and black berry/currant fruit with notes of sweet spices and black pepper. Long and lingering finish and a lovely soft/silky texture. No sign of oak aging. Acidity is plentiful but well balanced. Quite fresh and bright! Solid QPR. — a month ago
Château Musar
Hochar Père & Fils Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2010
Vintage 2010 | young and very attractive — 15 days ago
Domaine Tempier
La Migoua Bandol Mourvedre Blend 2016
This can develop a while of course but nothing at all wrong with it right now with some choice southern-inspired thanksgiving leftovers. All about the garrigue and sun baked red fruit at this point, tertiary elements not really showing yet but ample structure to get there — 2 months ago
Will Stanley
First bottle from a case of the 2020 Gigondas village from Ch. de Saint Cosme. It could even be my first time trying Gigondas from Louis Barruol, 14th-gen winemaker here, though I do recall a memorable St Joseph from my birth year that I enjoyed around ten years ago.
This wine is strawberry pink in colour, with good clarity. The nose is shy on the first night, better second; very pretty, with fairly light aromas of blackberry, candied cherry, liquorice, wild herbs, and a hint of grilled meat.
The palate is beautifully polished, striking effortless balance between structure and clarity, sweet fruit and acidity; the tannins are mild and it has wonderful grace through the finish, like a ballroom dancer gliding across the floor. Overall this is a really pure, fresh and elegant expression of Gigondas and has none of the rusticity for which this old appellation is oft known. In fact, it bears greater similarity to old-vine Grenache from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is no bad thing. Also zero trace of heat despite the 15% abv. Very good stuff from Louis Barruol. This will age with Burgundian grace. Can’t wait to try it again – make sure to decant.
— 3 days ago