Garnet core , wide terracotta rim . Quite aromatic with sous bois , floral hints , spiced dried cherry, iodine , earth and leather . On the palate this has high acidity , fine tannins , orange rind , wet earth, sous bois , dried cherry . Good length . Ready drink now and over the next 5 years , just starting to run out of steam after a couple of hours . Elegant and refined in style — 4 months 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. — 5 months ago

Crafted by Joseph J. Wagner, 4th generation winemaker, with winemaking roots in the Napa Valley since 1906. Deep Ruby with red berry fruit aromas, tea and sweet spice notes. On the palate flavors of jammy blackberry and cherry with pronounced sweet vanilla oak, cacao and pepper spice notes. Soft tannins and bright acidity, well balanced, with mineral tones on a long finish ending with toasty spice! Nice! — 8 months ago
Amazing dark plum colors, earth spices, cherry, red fruits- supple tannins and a smooth finish — 8 months ago
Clear blackberry, cherry, and other dark fruit notes. — 6 years ago
2001 vintage. Pale ruby. Earthy, truffle, violets, charcoal, almond and marzipan. Medium plus concentration. Developing. On the palate, sour cherry compot, dry, high acidity and tannins - fine grained. Full concentration of flavour and medium plus finish. Lovely balanced wine that has a long way to go. Drink Now until 2030.
— 10 years ago
Rich cocoa and cedar over raspberry, cola, and black cherry. Flavorful and smooth. — 4 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2017 (S) pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with pretty notes of mostly red, tart fruit: strawberry, raspberry, Montmorency cherry, licorice, dried green herbs, menthol, and rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and just a touch mousy but within the acceptable range. Refreshing and a lovely pairing with burgers on a warm Spring evening. Drink now through 2032. — 4 months ago
Lovely wine for a family barbecue, bright color, cherry & berry fruit. — 5 months ago
Black cherry and cocoa aroma, creamy truffle and earthy mineral and tobacco. — 8 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over four days and fairly consistent throughout. The 2020 Riserva pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart red fruit: raspberry, Morello cherry, red plum, black tea, red flowers, dried green herbs, and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Drink now through 2035 easy. — 9 months ago
tu es magnifique dans les robes — 7 years ago

Lovely, pretty and elegant nose that shows off red cherry, black currant and wild strawberry fruit notes. Just a hint of oak spice adds to the wines aromatic depth. The palate echoes the elegance of the nose with high tone red and black cherry fruit with a earthy miner edge. Tannins and acidity are lithe with dynamite balance. Mature but should easily hold up for 7 to 10 more years. — 9 years ago
Big spice, rose petal, cherry, artificial fruit, and a hint of tar on the nose. Great spice, med-tannin, and dried/fresh fruit on the palate. Interesting wine. — 11 years ago
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A legendary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted only in exceptional vintages. The 2012 vintage is remembered as one of Napa’s “dream years” — consistent weather, long hang time, and perfectly ripened fruit. Special Selection remains Caymus’ flagship and is always made in small, meticulous quantities.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: explosive notes of overripe black cherry, baked blueberries, leather, oak, and subtle spice.
Palate: full-bodied and multi-layered, offering rich, cooked dark berries, bitter dark chocolate, and hints of espresso, with leathery depth.
Mouthfeel
Velvety and concentrated, yet showing the beginnings of age. Silky tannins, soft structure, and a lingering, dry finish. Decadent and still powerful, but now entering its mature phase.
Winemaking & Style
Aged extensively in French oak, this bottling represents Caymus’ fruit-forward, opulent signature style, while 2012 gave extra ripeness and intensity. It’s an iconic Napa Cab that manages both power and elegance.
Food Pairing
Pair with dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or truffle-infused mushroom dishes. Also excellent with a hard, aged cheese like Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Verdict
An over-the-top, show-stopping vintage of Caymus Special Selection. Still bold, rich, and luxurious, but beautifully softened with age. Drink now for peak pleasure, though it can hold for another few years. — 4 months ago
This was back when André Tchelistcheff was making wine for BV. In fact, it’s because of Tchelistcheff that the Georges de Latour Vineyard was bottled separately in the first place. Decanted prior to service; enjoyed over the course of several hours. This bottle of the 1970 pours a garnet color with significant rim variation; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with a mix of tart, ripe and dried mostly red fruits: red currants, lingonberries, Bing cherry, tobacco, Poblano pepper, old leather, dry gravelly earth, and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. After enjoying the 1981 vintage a couple weeks ago, this is stunning leap in quality. The 1970 is evergreen and stole my heart. Drink now through 2040. — 4 months ago
Dark Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruit and floral spice, pure Caymus signature style, easy drinking, approachable as always. On the palate flavors of ripe blackberry, black cherry and currants with complex spice showing notes of cacao, cinnamon and rich vanilla oak. Fine soft tannins, nice mouthfeel, great balance with acidity, long finish, ending with notes of oak and mineral notes. Nice! — 9 months ago
Smooth, rich cherry and smoke. — 7 years ago
Great Tuscan aromas and cherry fruit. 2010 drinking perfectly now. — 9 years ago
Smooth and mellow. Fruity. — 10 years ago
Deep ruby in color. Bursts with sour cherry, cedar, savory tobacco and leather. Neither gamey nor oxidized. Tannin and fine and silly and finishes with lithe acidity. — 12 years ago
Jason Phillips
Spicy nose. Nice and bold. Black cherry and baking spice. Wonderful! — 4 months ago