Winery - Chateau Musar
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The Jeune Red from Château Musar’s second line (formerly labeled Musar Cuvée Rouge) is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that smells sweetly of ripe black cherries with rustic herbal and earthy notes. It opens softly with sweet blackberries and a hint of green bramble, but is chased by a mid-palate of fairly aggressive tannins and acidity. Fermented and aged in concrete vats, the Musar Jeune is completely unoaked and intended for early consumption, but would probably do nicely with some bottle aging as well.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This Chardonnay, Viognier and Vermentino blend from Lebanon starts with aromas of candied allspice, flowers and toast. On the palate, the wine offers soft, subtle flavors of spice, flowers and vanilla. Unusual but approachable—pair with poultry, cheeses.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Sweet on the nose with aromas of cherry and strawberry preserves, the 2002 Gaston Hochar is softer and jammier on the palate than the 2000 vintage. Prolonged aeration reveals smoke, vanilla, and toast notes and lush, smooth tannins that linger elegantly.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A shower of rose petals brightens subdued strawberry and cherry flavors on this elegant dry rosé made from Cinsault. Full bodied on the palate with a clean, stony minerality on the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Curious on the nose with hints of orange peels, resin and a dusty, floral aroma, the 2004 Gaston Horchar shows a subdued fruit and floral quality that’s faded from the 2003. Flickers of orange and fresh apple brighten a palate that’s yeasty and warm like fino sherry. Round and rich with an umami-laden finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Rich with roasted hazelnuts and a high-toned citrus aroma, this Lebanese white is deliberately oxidized to produce a dry, savory wine that’s intriguing on the nose and palate. While glimmers of poached pear and lemon peek through, fruit is clearly secondary to the layers of nutty, yeasty, oily flavors that dominate the palate.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Founded north of Beirut, Lebanon in the Bekaa Valley in 1930, Chateau Musar is a historic, respected producer of red wines in the Bordeaux style. Given the winery's track record, this rose underwhelms. The fresh strawberry and fruit flavors have potential but fade quickly on a watery foundation.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Sherried-smelling, picking up nuances of anise, lacquer and stone dust, and finishing on a lemony note. An acquired taste.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Cinnamon and nutmeg spice on the nose gives this Cinsault/Carignan/Cabernet/Syrah blend from Lebanon a comforting character. On the palate, it offers smoke, spice and nuts. Slightly heavy on the palate, but overall, an intriguing alternative for hearty dishes.
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