Bekaa Valley Red Blend

Spearmint, cigar, lavender, violet, rosemary, bay leaf, fresh red currants. High acidity, very integrated soft tannins now.

VA, dark licorice, allspice, brown sugar, banana, cedar, smoke, veal, dried bay leaf, candied red and black currants. Balanced between medium+ acidity, medium smooth tannins, and fruit concentration. Finished long.... Tasting while watching the excellent documentary Wine and War in which Serge was just chilling... in the warfare

This bottle was hand carried from the Middle East, seven years back, and my first time enjoying the 2002 since release. Cork was perfect. On the nose, some VA but nothing crazy. Notes of balsamic, teriyaki, sandalwood and charred meat. On the palate, still quite primary with dark cherries and dried dark fruits being predominate. Plenty of structure. The texture is remarkably fine and silky. Quite classy actually! Nevertheless, this isn’t the most soul stirring vintage of Musar Rouge. At nearly 19 years of age, this bottle still comes across as youthful with developing vinousity. Perhaps time will coax more out...but I suspect, as others have previously stated, that the 2002 is more of a modest wine by their standards...which is still quite delicious and enjoyable in its own right. This will easily live for another 10+ years.

1st Ch Musar. Reminded me of a hybrid of Rhône valley and Piedmont. So much spiced/savory laden aromas behind a density that balanced by its contrasting weightlessness. Reminds me of the soulfulness of Heredia. Incredibly charming and intriguing

Wow. 2002 still has lovely fruit, grandpas pipe and great acidity. Could have drank earlier and maybe even a little later but definitely showing well right now.

Gorgoeus sweet cherry, leather, sandalwood, and earth. Incense and dried flowers in the finish.

Very Good; an incredibly easy drinking wine but lacking in the complexity I have come to know in Musar - a friend described it best as "smooth". Will last but don't think it will improve much.

Of the two bottles, one was off. I am rating the good one. Dried hibiscus and red wine vinegar on the nose. Refined tannin, cocoa , leather, and dark stewed fruit. Very good, and the best of the three.

Much cleaner than expected. Concentrated.

Clean and beautiful