1996 Chateau Musar

Winedoctor

• By Chris Kissack
  December 2011, (See more on Winedoctor...) 16 points

  (Chateau Musar (Bekaa Valley)) A remarkably pale hue even for Musar, almost rosé as it is poured, a deeper red but still pale in the glass. The appearance might be low-key, but aromatically this is classic Musar, full of sweet and leathery spices, roasted gamey meat and dense, richly baked fruits. Fairly textured on the palate, with that trademark oily substance, backed up by a forceful layer of spice, and vibrant acidity. The palate is broad and, provided the wine is given time, it has a full and rich presence on the palate, far more than I seem to recall for this vintage of Musar. The fruits are baked, with a rich almost chocolatey yet sour edge thanks to the acid. Fascinating wine. I don't buy much (any) Musar these days, but this bottle proves this iconic wine can still provide plenty of interest - even in a 'lesser' vintage.

• By Chris Kissack
  December 2006, (See more on Winedoctor...) 16+ points

  (Chateau Musar) Quite pale, maturing, orange-brown tinge with an oxblood core. Nose initially quite volatile, leathery, then pepper and tobacco, sweetly baked blackcurrant and raspberry fruit. Classic Musar. Full, rounded, nicely balanced. Still some grip. Good acids. Rustic, grippy edge on endpalate with some slightly spiky acidity here. Has certainly developed over the last two years, with a fuller texture and greater interest as far as flavour is concerned, but still shows the structure that will carry this along in the cellar for many years to come.

• By Chris Kissack
  July 2004, (See more on Winedoctor...) 15.5 points

  (Chateau Musar) Pale cherry red hue, with little density even at the core, fading to a pink-orange rim. Classic Musar on the nose - leather, spice, the sweetness of baked fruit, game. Like the 1997 this wine slides across the palate with ease, with a silky, rounded mouthfeel and lovely, balanced acidity. Game and baked fruit flavours on the midpalate. It seems very approachable, and overall a light, elegant style, but judging by the mild tannic flourish on the finish this will benefit from a couple more years in the cellar - and then drink well for five years plus.

• By Chris Kissack
  July 2002, (See more on Winedoctor...) 15.5+ points

  (Chateau Musar) At best a moderate intensity of colour, fading to pink at the rim, cut through with a tawny note. A clean nose for Musar, with strawberry and cherry fruit, and a touch of polished leather. On the palate it is full bodied, with a warm, rounded texture. There's plenty of fruit, together with spice and leather character, and good tannins which creep up through the midpalate and give a spicy edge to the finish. There's barely a hint of the trademark Musar volatile acidity, which is only noticeable if you go looking for it.