3/30/2024 - Stemvers wrote:

Presenting a clear, light red hue reminiscent of ripe cherries, the wine immediately catches the eye. On the nose, it offers inviting aromas of red fruits, including subtle hints of raspberry and cranberry, contributing to its vibrant fruit character. With a light to medium body, it surprises with its underlying strength, reminiscent of the distinct minerality often associated with wines from Mount Etna. This minerality adds depth and complexity, accentuating the wine's overall profile. On the palate, it unfolds smoothly, revealing a fruity character that makes it effortlessly drinkable, while earthy undertones of volcanic soil linger in the background, adding an intriguing dimension to the experience. However, its journey concludes with a relatively short finish, leaving a desire for more. Overall, this wine is a delightful choice for casual enjoyment, offering a pleasant and approachable drinking experience.

3/22/2024 - Stemvers wrote:

Displaying a rich, golden hue, verging on amber, the Chateau Musar 2006 White entices with a mature and abundant bouquet. While some detect a hint of oxidation, it adds an intriguing dimension to the wine, elevating its allure. Unlike its counterpart from 2008, the oxidation here is subtle, allowing ripe orange zest and exotic undertones to shine through, creating a captivating olfactory experience. However, the palate falls slightly short of the lofty expectations set by the nose. Though marked by well-balanced acidity and lingering potency, it lacks the same complexity and dynamism found in its aroma. Nevertheless, its full-bodied presence and lingering bitterness offer a commendable drinking experience, albeit with a slight sense of disappointment compared to the promise of its aromatic profile.

3/1/2024 - Stemvers Does not like this wine:

Presenting a pale yellow hue, lighter than anticipated for a 15-year-old white wine. Exhibiting a light to medium body with pleasing acidity, this wine gradually reveals its complexity with aeration and temperature adjustment over the course of an hour. Initial notes of lemon and the bitterness reminiscent of orange peel dominate, accompanied by subtle spiciness and unexpected robustness. Remarkably youthful in character, it leaves a lasting impression with its extended finish. However, its perplexing nature prompts contemplation— is it a stroke of genius or past its prime, lacking in appeal? Undoubtedly, this is not a wine that reveals itself easily, offering a challenging yet intriguing experience for the discerning palate.

2/26/2024 - Stemvers wrote:

This red wine boasts a vibrant, deep purple hue. Its aromatic profile is assertive, with a powerful bouquet bursting forth from the glass. Rich notes of red fruits intertwine with spicy undertones, creating a youthful and robust expression. On the palate, it delivers an explosive experience, characterized by its smooth yet potent nature, indicative of its youthful vigor and latent potential. Personally, I recommend allowing it to rest for 2 to 3 years to further develop, anticipating a more nuanced and mature iteration that still retains its inherent promise. While the presence of tannins adds structure, they do not overpower, leaving room for an intriguing evolution over the years. This wine promises to be a captivating journey worth following as it continues to evolve. 92-94

2/23/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine:

A truly delightful wine! Decanted for 3 hours, this wine reveals its power yet retains subtlety, boasting beautifully integrated flavors, impeccable balance, and a refined structure. While the tannins are still present, they do not overpower, and promise further development with time. In my opinion, this exquisite Pontet-Canet is incredibly enjoyable now, with the potential for substantial aging depending on preference. Its fruity profile, with notes of red fruit, blackberries, hints of earthiness, and vanilla, is incredibly seductive. The wine culminates in a delightful, lingering finish. I plan to cellar one bottle for another 10 years, though I cannot guarantee the longevity of the other – it may not make it to the end of this year.

2/17/2024 - Stemvers wrote:

Not quite there yet. Bit of unbalance it seems. So far, not as good as the others ('08-'18), but we'll see. I'll give it some more time before opening the next.

2/1/2024 - Stemvers wrote:

Remarkably fresh after 12 years. One would't say. Lots of fruit, some indication of aging. Aging subtly and smoothly. Still has some years to go, plate is developing.

1/1/2024 - Stemvers Likes this wine:

Delivers as always. Lovely black fruit, blackberry, blueberry, some spices. Gorgeous balance. Buy this, drink this. Love it.

12/31/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Not too great unfortunately. A bit alcoholic and lacking balance. Maybe the bottle?

12/28/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Bottled in 2004. Cloudy brown color. Medium body, Dried fruit and nuts, such as figs, apricot, and a little caramel. At or just past its peak. Drink it quickly as far as I'm concerned.

12/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Needed 2 hours of decanting before the magic appeared. Great wine.

12/8/2023 - Stemvers Likes this wine:

Loved it. Great balance, fruit, spices and depth. Full bodied and strong.
I have another one, which will not make it to the end of this year. With food or on its own, it's delicious. Mysterious Musar delivers again.

12/6/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Almost no nose, yet a full body. Quite sweet, with nice acidity. A bit of a sparkle. Fruity, some lemon, green apple, candy. Surprising wine. Maybe a bit too sweet for some.

11/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Nice balance, medium- body. Fruity, but a bit too green, needs more time for me. Lots of potential. Next one 2026.

11/13/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Needs some food and a bit of air and is absolutely delicious. Fruity, berries, black fruit, spicy, quite firm, yet velvety when paired with food.

10/31/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Way past its prime. Too alcoholic for me.

10/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Very drinkable, nice and fruity, some complexity, just not enough to make it really exciting and aim for 90 or up. Quite some cherry for an Amarone to my taste. Some prune, slice of tobacco, but that was it for me.

10/20/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

It's okay. Fruity. Juicy, very drinkable.

10/14/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Especially the age makes it interesting. Drink it now

8/18/2023 - Stemvers Does not like this wine:

A bit dull for my liking, medium- body, yet powerful. Good acidity. Fruity, mainly blackberries, cherries, yet not exciting. I believe there's better quality to find in this price range.
Proper wine though.

8/12/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Great P/Q! Strong, a real powerhouse. Lots of dark fruit, does need some air to open up, but does so beautifully.

7/11/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Not great

7/3/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Great nose, intense, black fruit all over, vanilla. On the palate blackcurrant, plum, spicy, medium body, quite high in her acidity, tannins are still reasonably present, short finish.
Very nice wine. I'll save one for another three years, to see what's still possible.

6/27/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Chocolate, black fruit, black currant. A bit of earth. Seems a bit high on the alcohol. Full body, smooth, tannins almost gone, with intense flavours. Medium+ acidity. It has the distinct burnt rubber aroma, yet not very pronounced, but apparent.

6/19/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Beautiful dark yellow, orange color. Needed some air to show what was left. Still quite some balance in sweetness and acidity. A little rough with some bitterness on the edges, but surprisingly drinkable tbh. Ripe orange mostly is what I tasted, a hint of caramel maybe. Quite nice again.

6/19/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Obviously way past its prime. Still a very interesting nose. Cookies, candies, some ripe fruit. On the palate mainly too much acidity. Interesting experience.

6/18/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Really enjoyed this. Lots to discover. Did need 24 hours decanting to get going.
Last bottle of three will have to wait for 5 years.

5/27/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

I love this wine. I buy 6 every year. Subtle and complex. Amazing balance, although this one's a bit rough on the edges. Lots of honey. Long, long finish with citrus. Drinks fine now and will improve further over the coming years. I had a 15-year-old which was still beautiful. Expect this to do nothing less. Buy a case while you can!

5/20/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Very nice. Beautiful balanced. Ripe tannins make it velvety with more than enough structure. Great wine. Lots of black fruit, some leather, a bit of spice. Don't expect it to improve further, but I believe it could last for another two to three years. Will save my last bottle for 2025.

4/28/2023 - Stemvers Likes this wine:

Love it. Keeps getting better. Think it still has some potential left.

4/8/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Still in its prime. Tannins maturiting, and still very present. Has still some years to go. Full body, black fruit, good structure and nice balance. Proper wine.

4/7/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Amazing. Finished my last bottle. Enjoyed every sip.

3/19/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Nice and buttery just the way I like it. Lots more to explore.

3/17/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Absolutely amazing. I'll drink my last bottle soon too. I think it is at its prime. Balance, tannins, acidity, enough fruit, wonderful.

3/11/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Nice acidity making it quite fresh. Nice but not thrilling for me. Apricot, honey, orange. Lovely balance.

3/9/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Still some tannins left, nice balance, medium body, but becoming less powerful and fruity. I'll drink my other bottle soon...

2/27/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Pale and clear on the eye. Quite light for an eleven year old. Medium body and elegant mouthfeel. Could've used some more acidity. Now tastes a bit closed. Some ripe whitefruit and a touch of licorice.
Enjoyable but past its prime.

2/26/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

I think this one is at its prime. Concentrated, ripe fruit. Smooth.

2/24/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

A bit sweet, but quite enoyable. Lots of red fruit, especially cherries. Easy going.

2/21/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Big, full wine. Golden yellow color, beautiful. On the nose white fruit, vanilla, and caramel. A silky mouth with Anise, Tropical frui, and some nutmeg. Medium+ body and a long finish. I like a big fat Chardonnay and this is one.

2/17/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Beautiful well balanced wine. A bit past it prime if you ask me. Still a lot of fruit (cherry, plum) and some spicyness. Silky mouthfeel, medium+ body and a short finish.

2/13/2023 - Stemvers Likes this wine:

Decanted an hour before I had the pleasure of getting acquainted with this bottle. Lovely pallet with ripe cherries a hint of tobaccos and some smoke in the distance. Absolutely silky mouthfeel and beautiful balance between sweetness and acidity. I really enjoy this one.

2/9/2023 - Stemvers Likes this wine:

Absolutely magnificent, suttle, lovely balance. Tannins still remarkably present, I had expected them to be a bit softer by now. Aamzing nose and lovely palate: oak, earthy, tobacco, red fruit, a bit of spicyness. Lovely. Didn't decant, aired it for 1-2 hours in the bottle.

1/21/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

A little past its peak. Still some fruit, but mostly spice. Brown-red on the eye. Drink now.

1/19/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Smooth medium bodied fruit bomb with quite a few tannins. Can last for a little while more I expect. Saving one for halfway 2024.

1/17/2023 - Stemvers wrote:

Beautiful red-brown color and tears well in the glass. Not very aromatic, but some ripe red fruit and a little spice. Pretty thin. Medium-bodied, with tannins still present. Short aftertaste. Nice for once, not very special.

12/27/2022 - Stemvers wrote:

Medium to full body. Quite alcoholic and quite cloudy. some degree of fruitiness, especially figs, spiciness and some black fruit. Not very special.

12/25/2022 - Stemvers wrote:

Medium+ body, slightly brown at the edges. Lovely balance, fairly fruity still (red fruit), spicy (nutmeg, bay leaf, cloves). Plums, licorice, anise, hints of tobacco and leather. Gradually aging. I would drink it now.
Delicious with some truffle paste.

12/10/2022 - Stemvers wrote:

Medium- body, past its top. Never a great wine to my taste. Lacks depth.
Some tobacco and plums. Not bad.

12/2/2022 - Stemvers wrote:

Still going strong. Medium+ body, lovely dark fruit. 5 years after the last one, but hasn't lost it touch. I feel it has some years to go, but I wouldn't expect it to evolve further.