Jay Kline

9.4

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. — 7 months ago

Gor

9.5

As usual off the charts cool. Opened up over the course of a couple hours. Expressive nose of fresh cut red flowers, raspberries, black pepper, undergrowth, dried herbs, some vegetal hints. Fantastic concentration and elegance with fine tannins and beautiful acidity that ends in a medium+ finish. — 4 years ago

Chin Okoro

9.1

Ripe sweet red fruit on the nose- beautifully aromatic and long lasting. Notes of red berries and vanilla. One of the best carb francs. I have had yet — 6 years ago

Paul T HB

9.8

Really nice bottle 👍🏼
80% cab
20% cab franc,
Release $250.00 found it on sale for $125.00 — 6 years ago

Elizabeth Elliott

9.0

Favorite fruity white to span time with this summer — 6 years ago

with Jada

Ely Cohn

9.4

Pax Mahle makes majestic Syrah that is light and gentle as single vineyard cool climate Pinot. His wines encapsulate the best of the idiosyncratic grape in a more delicate than typical frame that is complex and lean, but neither thin nor meager.

His Wind Gap Majik single vineyard has funky expressive aromas of iodine, menthol, violet, olive, and black peppercorn. Flavors of herbs, unripe blackberry, and salty minerals. Tons of flavor and body at an astounding 11.5% ABV (2014 was 10.4%!).

P.S. considering buying his Pax Hillside which got 100 points from @Antonio Galloni last year. If anyone has tried 2017 please let me know how it was. — 7 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2014 Classico pours a slightly hazy garnet with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing. Initially showing notes of stewed red fruits, however with about 30 minutes of air, the fruits freshened up. Morello Cherry, macerated strawberry, dried roses, tar, leather, gravelly earth, and a pleasant mix of cool spices. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium plus; grippy and savory. An often maligned vintage in Piemonte, particularly in Barolo (though some outstanding examples exist). However, in Barbaresco, there was more success and this is an example. Drink now through 2034. — 7 months ago

Joan Ziegler

9.4

Something spec. Try it — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Spicy and peppery on the nose with a hint of apricot from the Viognier whose influence has diminished over the years. Red cherry and pepper on the palate. Generally regarded as one of the finest Shiraz blends in Australia. Cool climate - Intensity without weight. I love this style and this 2004 was a treat for the senses. Soft resolved fine savoury tannins. Sadly my last 2004 in 750ml although I did find a magnum after making this note. — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Very dark Crimson particularly for a cool climate Tasmanian Cabernet. Aromas of dark plum, clove, tobacco leaf and oak spice on the nose with a medium to full bodied palate with dusty plum and integrated oak - perfect balance. Seamless with resolved tannin and finishing with persistent length. Matured in 100% French oak Barriques. After a couple of hours in the decanter a lovely left bank perfume of rose bush and brambles. A wonderful Cabernet (90%) by any measure and a fitting tribute to Peter Althaus, the founder, who passed away unexpectedly in early January aged 79 in his native Switzerland. I like many others said that Tasmania was too cool to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon but Peter Althaus proved us all wrong. Vale Peter. — 5 years ago

Brent Bailey

9.1

Beautiful bourbon, nice amount of oak, brown sugar, vanilla and easy to drink. — 6 years ago

Fredybeans

9.1

Jaune très clair
Nez terpène très précis
Bouche tendue et domine par des note d agrume. Bel équilibre mais finale un peu courte
Pas très type Brand — 7 years ago

with picolator, El and 1 other

Daniel K

9.2

A shining example of cool climate, domestic syrah — 8 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

This is a riper style than is normal for Craiglee which is usually quite cold climate peppery. This is full bodied showing blackberry, spice, liquorice and some black pepper. Always a reliable top quality Shiraz. The vineyard is just to the north of Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport in cool climate Macedon. Could see out the 2020s in the Cellar. — 9 months ago

Adam Kincaid

9.0

Drinking a 3L from 2013 in late ‘24. Love the big format bottles and aging potential. This could go a lot longer I think but is also fine to drink now.

Standard Caymus flavors and aromas that made the brand known. Dark inky crimson color. Blueberries and blackberry fruit mixed with vanilla alongside the tell-tale signs of wet band-aid. Great tannins, medium-to-big acidity, good long finish. Really nice. — a year ago

with Jillian

Jeff D.

9.5

For the white wine fans out there....crisp, clean and not heavy on oak or ml ferm. Delicious! — 5 years ago

Morgan Leathers

9.4

Cervos good price — 5 years ago

Gor

9.3

Very aromatic Riesling from Alsace. Melon, white flowers, orange peel, even hint of ginger on those nose. Beautiful deep yellow, almost gold color. Mouth watering acidity with a persistent finish — 6 years ago

Liz DeSousa

9.5

Perfectly funky and citrusy — 6 years ago

with George

John B

9.2

Textbook Napa Cabernet. Currants, blackberries, a touch of cedar and graphite on the finish. — 7 years ago