Jay Kline

9.4

It was Father’s Day and I had decided on grilled rack of lamb for dinner so I selected this bottle of 2011 Chateau Musar rouge from our cellar. According to Musar’s records, the 2011 vintage was one of the most challenging since the early 1990’s. It was ultimately a late-maturing vintage with harvest taking place on October 13th, the latest since the 1983 vintage!

I decanted this bottle about eight hours prior to dinner. It should be noted that immediately upon opening, the bouquet was strikingly gorgeous with powerful aromatics that were obvious from several feet away and this trait carried through until dinner time.

In the glass, the wine presents a deep garnet color. Slightly turbid with a near opaque core. On the nose, black plums, blackberries, cassis, tobacco, organic earth, exotic spices, leather, spiced meat, and pomegranate. I detect a touch of VA as well. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the nose with an added bit of red rope licorice. Lovely, long, savory…amazing. This was a brilliant compliment to the lamb (which was served with beets and goat cheese and fattoush) and everything I wanted in a Musar tonight. Drinking well now with a hefty decant and I expect well cellared examples to drink well past 2035. — 2 years ago

Scott T

VP/Senior Wine Specialist Christie's

9.2

On its 20th Bday, just look at that color! Very pleased with the evolution. In a word: spicy! Nice balance, surprisingly firm acidity to block frame the alcohol punch. Served against a well seasoned home burger. So happy I have more from an original release purchase made with Dan Fredman during his Kermit Lynch days. Tasted from half bottle. 1cm ullage. — 10 years ago

Patrick Hurley

9.8

Needs to breathe a bit at first, but drinks well. Tastes more expensive than it is. Good red! — 12 years ago

Sagee Aran

9.3

2010 vintage. Smooth balanced tasty Rioja, black berries and cherries are well noticed. — 3 years ago

Vito Polosa

9.1

Finer juicy bitters and chocolate, mint and cooffee grinds , pleasant tannins, drinking well — 9 years ago

Benjamin Keator

9.6

Lean, dry, and sexy. Drinking well — 10 years ago

Paul Stefani

9.3

The oak has subsided since the last time I've opened a bottle. Black current and blackberry blend well through a nice finish with integrated tannins. — 11 years ago

Hugh O'Riordan

9.1

Dark and rich earth flavors. Very well balanced with good finish. It’s from Livermore not Australia! — 4 years ago

Justin Brilman

9.5

Right in its sweet spot. Gonna try and get a few more of these. Drinking really well right now. — 10 years ago

Sam Friedland

9.0

Nice Napa valley cab. Cherry bouquet. nice and reserved. Went well with barbecued flat iron steak and lamb sausage. — 10 years ago