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. — 8 days ago

SW

9.2

Lamb ragu and Bandol 🎅 — 5 months ago

with Stephen

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1996 vintage. Excellent aging cork with an above average fill. Not decanted. PNP and tasted immediately. Tannins fairly bowed with the passage of decades but still showing up for the weekly hang. Light-medium body. Slightly sweet intro/startup that quickly sorts into plum, coffee and chocolate notes. This was a bad, bad tannic boy back in the day but is fully reformed now. 03.19.25. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Elegant Ruby color with red fruit aromas and gentle floral spice, aged for about 12 months in French oak, signature blend of grapes from Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, and Yamhill-Carlton AVA's. On the palate flavors of cherry and black raspberry with notes of herb, licorice and wet stone notes. Soft dusty tannins on a long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy notes. Very Nice! Drinking well now! — 2 months ago

Joe Fischer

9.2

Ruby with cherry, plum, cedar, and spice notes. On the bud, it’s full bodied and smooth with dark fruit and spice notes. Great with our Lamb chops! — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, aged in French oak 65% new and 35% 1 year old, fruit sourced from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruit, earthy and floral spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and tart cherry flavors, with vanilla, licorice, citrus and herb spice. Fine tannins, well balanced long finish ending with tart fruit and a sweet earthy mineral character. Nice! A Fav! — 6 months ago

Tom Nguyen

9.2

Great zin blend I first had at House of Prime Rib in SF. Spicy, aromatic and rich paired really well with roast lamb. — 2 months ago

Suneal Vishnupad

9.4

Really excellent. Menthol all the way. Very unique — 3 months ago

with Kayla

Sean Grullon

9.5

This is really awesome, an incredible Ribera del Duero. Concentrated, but fresh. Fine tannins, and good acidity. Expressive fruit (berries and black cherry), spice, smoke, and aromatic herbs. Oak is subtle, and plays a supporting role here. Just brilliant - and a great wine with lamb or Latin food. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Medium Ruby color with aromas dark red fruits, black tea and ample floral spice, aged in 20% new French oak for 10 months. On the palate flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum with tobacco, cedar, black pepper, tea and vanilla spice. Soft fine tannins, long finish, well balanced with acidity, ending with fruit, herb, spice and earthy wet stone character. Nice! — 6 months ago