Musar 2015

I see Ralph Hochar has posted that the 2015 Musar Red is now being distributed for sale in Europe. It seems very early to be selling the 2015 as I always thought Musar required close on 10 years to be ready for release. Is the wine really maturing more quickly or are commercial reasons the explanation for the early release?I still haven't seen the 2014 on sale anywhere locally.
 
The Lebanese economy is very poor atm, Newsnight has a report. I wonder how Musar will be affected?
Not holding out for any price reduction as they probably trade in dollars already. But cash flows may be tight hence new releases?
 
The Lebanese economy is very poor atm, Newsnight has a report. I wonder how Musar will be affected?
Not holding out for any price reduction as they probably trade in dollars already. But cash flows may be tight hence new releases?
If it’s a cash flow problem, they’d release some of the huge library stock, surely? :cool:
I haven’t purchased anything since the ‘09. I need to get a grip. :eek::oops:
 
Musar has a big domestic market? Why wouldn't it?

The issue I saw in Beirut was that us was quite a bit more expensive than in the UK (and a lot more than 'the competition').
 
When visiting Musar a few years back, it was mentioned that there really isn't much of a domestic market as most Lebanese don't drink. Our hotel in Hamra had more than a few dusty bottles of Hochar and Jeune behind the bar, that the staff were only too pleased to see the back of. Most of which were actually drinking rather well from what I recall.
 
However many months ago it was the wine society email said very small quantities of 2014 and will go fast, so I jumped in straight away. Still on sale now. I would have bought it anyway...
 
Th
If it’s a cash flow problem, they’d release some of the huge library stock, surely? :cool:
I haven’t purchased anything since the ‘09. I need to get a grip. :eek::oops:
This rather mysterious tweet appered from Ralph the other day.
musar.JPG

Mysterious, as, even when they've done verticals or other tastings in restaurants before, the restaurants have had to buy the wines locally/from their regular suppliers, rather than from Chateau Musar UK direct.
 
So I opened this (2015 red) yesterday and decanted into aother bottle (to share samples with the rabbit donors).
Initially I was struck by the high astringency, but after a couple of hours, that calmed down.
Early days in terms of assessment (and with only 2 days resting time post couriers, it might not be in a mood to party) but my take so far is that it’s a “correct” Musar and in the modern style - so not much VA and no Brett. Dark berry fruit, plums, damsons. Kind of Southern Rhoney in character. Seems quite hot, but apparently just the usual 14%. Very similar to 2013. Not as immediately charming as 2014, but I’m sure it will blossom with age. I also hope it might be better tomorrow (so I’ve hidden it from the Mrs!)
 
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