World Market

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2006

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.
— 19 days ago

Lyle, Jan and 16 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Great note (though “note” doesn’t really begin to cover it).
David White

David White

Love Chateau Musar and its history, thank you @Jay Kline for sharing the story to the 2006

Old World Winery

L'aureate Sonoma County Chardonnay

little bit of spice, then juice — 5 years ago

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wow. Love these old Napa cabs. Made in the old world ways before You know who cannot be named’s influence. Aged so gracefully and a beautiful wine! Like drinking an old Bordeaux but just with a slight ripe fruit and sweetness to differentiate its Napa origin! — 5 years ago

Severn, Lyle and 2 others liked this
Aravind A

Aravind A Premium Badge

I'm reading Harry Potter with Kiran, and your TN brought me back there. Kiran: "Why is he called you-know-who"?
Me: He has a name, but they don't want to say it.
<sigh>

Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2002

The quintessense of Bordeaux? Everything you would expect and a bit more. In an ideal world I would drink this every day 🤩 — 2 months ago

Bob, Daniel and 14 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

+1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A splendid dark ruby red color. On the nose: Intoxicating/intense nose of black fruit, dark currants, worn leather, forest floor, coffee grounds, minty dark chocolate. Taste: smooth, satiny, structured, balanced wine with chocolate covered brambly blackberry, tobacco, earth, cedar, black pepper, and a herbal licorice long finish. A medium body old world style wine that shows well right now and should continue to provide more years of enjoyable sipping. — 7 months ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Tom and 19 others liked this

Enderle & Moll

Liaison Pinot Noir 2017

Lyle Fass
9.3

Lovely ephemeral nose. Silken gossamer. Wilted roses. Expansive and just beautiful. Cherry. Strawberry. 9.4 almost 9.5 nose. Out of this world. Palate is sweet, silky and so elegant. Lovely sappy cherry fruit on the mid and then they crash like a soft wave on the finish. This is so so pretty. Really wowing me on pop and pour. Fresh so fresh. Everything is in its place. — 4 years ago

Matthew Cohen
with Matthew
Ely, Dick and 19 others liked this
Lyle Fass

Lyle Fass Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Ely Cohn sometimes the wines “don’t make it.” It’s totally random.
Pinotman /// Andreas

Pinotman /// Andreas

I had no bottle variations so far. The 17’ are not for the faint of heart. At first these where hard to drink or read. They are coming around now the 2017 Rosé for example yes the Rosé just turned into an awesome beauty.
Lyle Fass

Lyle Fass Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Pinotman /// Andreas ive heard so many bad things about this wine and have had to credit more customers on this than any e and m wine.

Corison

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

2019 vintage. PNP. Sultry and sexy. Light-medium/medium bod. The Corison Cabernets occupy a deliciously distinctive, Napa niche. This vintage is no less than that standard. Slightly less “busy” than the 2018, the 2019 continues to bring the must-have goods to market. Herbs, earth, woods, cassis, anise, kapow and blammo all easily found within. When you come across a jaded Napa Cab person (raises both hands), this baddy restores the faith. 01.20.25. — 5 months ago

Jan, Ted and 17 others liked this
Ericsson

Ericsson

Lovely

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay 2020

A lovely melding of Old World finesse and New World exuberance. Green apple, pear, white peach, ripe lemon oil, flint, acacia, and the barest hint of toasted brioche. Mouth watering acidity but not at the expense of texture. Long, beautifully ripe finish. Stunning. — 3 years ago

Ira, Tom and 4 others liked this

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo

As the summer is slipping out of our hands, its time to to pop those complex reds that we’ve been lastning for. Produttori del Barbaresco is considered one of the best cooperatives in the world and its 2016 Barbaresco is a solid proof of that statement.
Restrained at first and needs a couple of hours in the decanter to reach its climax. True to its provenance its clasically crafted, and puts up complex profile of red cherries, rose hip, strawberries, spice, bitter orange and a volatile dried floral lift over a canvas of wet soil.
An offensive approach on the palate with a high acidity and a generous portion of mouth coating tannins that is well accompanied by a pronounced fruit profile with an evolving finish. Very good indeed, but is a couple of level behind to reach the higher tiers.
— 5 years ago

Josh, Daniel and 7 others liked this

Leeuwin Estate

Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2012

World greatest Chardonnay blind tasting — 6 years ago

Eric, Shay and 12 others liked this