Purity is the first word that comes to mind, it’s probably the most restrained yet ripe sauv blanc I’ve ever had. The oak is pretty hard to detect, it plays in the background complementing the faint vegetal notes through the low toast character, it is so well integrated that I will not be able to tease it apart from the fruit and minerality. Extremely well-made, hard to justify the price considering it’s so linear it still drinks like a base wine (though excellent!) though maybe time will add complexity. I hope I never get this in a blind tasting, I would have no clue. It really is its own thing — 7 months ago
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 — 3 months ago
Red from Sancerre. Will wonders never cease? What’s impressive about this effort is how the mild and sunny weather of Loire did not over cook this wine. The flavors are strong, but restrained. It tastes like a lot of work went into getting an excellent balance of cherry, pencil shavings and lively acidity. Serving it a little chilled enhances the experience. — 8 months ago
Smooth right out of the bottle. Limestone, blackberries, and prunes. With a little spice at the end. — 6 months ago
All about texture. Viscous and luscious, very shy in the nose but pristine in the harmony between tight yet ripe herbal character, minerality and nutty bitterness. Long finish. Needs time to develop intensity — 7 months ago
Really good rose — 10 months ago
Matt Perlman
Pur springtime is more like it! — 10 days ago