Still had some youth present. Very nice wine. — 4 years ago
The 2016 Chateau Musar, the winery’s latest vintage on release, is much less forthcoming on the nose than the 2013 and ‘15 that I’ve tried recently, despite - or perhaps because of - the fact that the Hochars consider 2016 to be a successful and very ageworthy vintage.
The nose is quite dense and tightly wound, much like a left bank Bordeaux presents in its youth, not yet revealing its cards besides aromas of cedar, steeped plum, smoked beef and cinnamon. The palate, however, is open for business - powerful and saturated, striking that wonderful Musar balance between dark fruit and tangy acidity, expanding towards a puckering finish with good length.
The lasting impression here is of a very modern rendition of Musar, with great clarity and purity to the fruit, fine tannins, refreshing acidity on the palate and great drinkability now (though equal potential to age). My preference of late remains the 2013, but that’s now quite hard to buy - so I’d happily have a case of this instead.
94+ — 2 years ago
Holy cow, what a home run! This my friends its the taste of terroir. Dense and muscular, with a focused minerality that is keeping the beat.
Despite its youth it is very expressive and not holding back on its complexity. François Cotat La Grande Côte, a marvelous piece and an act in the magic of wine.
Pronounced intense aromas with a layered depth Lemon juice, kiwi, boxwood, dandelions almost reaching towards honey with a prominent Limestone mineraliy that is keeping the beat.
High piercing acidiy that cuts through the smooth and ripe edges. Dense and athletic on the mid palate with a layered complexity, salty backbone as it expands before closing up in a long tightening finish. — 3 years ago
Floral elements more subdued, fruit blossoming. Softer then when enjoyed in its youth and less complex and crunchy. — 4 years ago
Similarly austere to the 09, the youth showed in slightly more tightness. Shared with Cameron to celebrate his beautiful son Palmer — 3 years ago
With five and change years on it, this wine is beginning its transformation. What were bright and juicy lemon and quince in youth are starting to take on more steely, herbal notes as savory and saline elements come to the fore. The color, if anything is even more youthful than before, holding a greenish tinge along with its blonde highlights. Killer acidity still reigns supreme here for complete refreshment. Gonna save a bottle or two and see where it goes in another 5 years. — 4 years ago
Andrew McIntyre
Always a pleasure to drink. Silky smooth and already integrated but with some lively youth remaining. Great wine! — 4 months ago