Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2014 Classico pours a slightly hazy garnet with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing. Initially showing notes of stewed red fruits, however with about 30 minutes of air, the fruits freshened up. Morello Cherry, macerated strawberry, dried roses, tar, leather, gravelly earth, and a pleasant mix of cool spices. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium plus; grippy and savory. An often maligned vintage in Piemonte, particularly in Barolo (though some outstanding examples exist). However, in Barbaresco, there was more success and this is an example. Drink now through 2034. — 12 days ago
WS: 93. Baked cherry, raspberry ganache and warm fig flavors are ripe and expressive, with a pleasing counterpoint and added detail from rich notes of loamy earth and leather, plus accents of bay leaf, vanilla and red licorice. There's a supple generosity on the palate, trimmed nicely by fine-grained tannins and a tang of orange peel acidity. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2032. 35,000 cases made, 9,000 cases imported.
Alison Napjus
Issue Date: Aug 31, 2024
Release Price: $45/750mL — 20 days ago
Double-decanted several hours prior to dinner and subsequently enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2012 Classico pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe notes of red fruit: cherry cordial, candied nuts, red flowers, some leather, rich wood and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannins and high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A very good, albeit modern expression of Barolo from a solar vintage. Personally, I find pre-modernist Pio Cesare more exciting. Thanks Andy! Drink now with patience and through 2042. — 14 days ago
My first time trying this and it deserves the hype. Black cherry, tar, rose, whiff of anise on finish. Wonderful density and concentration. Tannins are burly but pleasant. Decant 1 hour at this age. — 25 days ago
From mag. Gorgeous soft plum and red cherry. Floral notes, hints of iodine and violets. Excellent. In great shape. — 21 days ago
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. — 3 days ago
Ron Siegel
Great vintage for Jamet showing dark cherry, berry, meat, graphite, olive, savory spice, mineral & violet — 11 days ago