Despite the reds varying dramatically in character, what is certain is Chateau Musar reds age incredibly well, developing new charms with time. Optimally, he feels they drink best at around 15 years of age. Even his limited quantity whites are not released before they reach five years. He claims his 1954 white is more alive now than equivalent reds from the 1950s. The whites we tasted shared honeyed tones and rich textures, with a toastiness similar to big well-oaked Burgundy whites.
Memory is the enduring sensation that remains after swallowing.
Chateau Musar was founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930 at the 18th century castle Mzar in Ghazir. These cellars provided refuge for folks fleeing the civil war in the 1970s and 1980s. Gaston's two sons, Serge the winemaker and Ronald, run the winery today, as a family business with their children. Chateau Musar reds are all varying blends of cabernet sauvignon, cinsault and carignan grapes. All six vintages tasted had complexity, often with a signature barnyard or animal note.