2001 Chateau Musar
Community Tasting Note
forceberry wrote:
Friday, October 25, 2019 - 2001 was a very hot and dry vintage: by mid-February the weather turned to much more warmer than usual with almost nonexistent rains. After relatively normal weather during the flowering, the weather turned hotter than average for July and August, resulting in 15% reduction in yield. The harvest was carried ahead of the schedule, starting already on 3rd of September. The Cinsaut suffered from the hot weather, losing some of its color; thus, the percentage of Cinsaut is somewhat lower in this year's blend compared to other vintages. As normal, the wine was fermented and aged in cement vats for 9 months, aged in oak for 12 months, blended together and matured for a further year in cement vats before bottling. 13,5% alcohol. Decanted for a few hours before tasting the wine.
Somewhat pale, limpid cranberry red color with developed pomegranate highlights. The nose feels somewhat restrained with slightly sweet-toned aromas of rose hips, some strawberry, a little bit of earthy spice, light licorice tones and a hint of old, dry leather. In contrast to my previous experiences with Musar 2001, this wine lacks the slightly medicinal or gluey volatile notes. The wine is juicy, dense and qutie full-bodied on the palate with rich flavors of wild strawberries, some overripe red plums, a little bit of game, light licorice notes, a little bit of smoke, a hint of blood and a touch of tart lingonberry juice. Despite the obvious ripeness, the wine is high in acidity. The testural tannins feel quite ripe and resolved with less grip than in the past. The finish is ripe, spicy and gently grippy with long, savory flavors of earthy spices, sour cherries, some gamey meat, a little bit of sanguine iron, a developed hint of corned beef and a touch of sweeter dark fruits.
A very harmonious and attractive Musar that seems to have somewhat lighter and more elegant with age, at least if compared to my past experiences when this vintage has felt more brooding and muscular in style. Perhaps this is signaling that the wine is starting to arrive at its plateau of maturity? I don't really know, since the bottle variation with Musar is so prevalent. Nevertheless, this is a very attractive and eminently really drinkable vintage of Musar with a good combination of developed ripe fruit, freshness and sophistication.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue (4,173 views)
