The Noble Savage: 2001 Chateau Musar

The Noble Savage
2001 Chateau Musar

Chateau Musar exists in its own realm.

They are some of the most mysterious, soulful and compelling wines around.

For me, the apt comparisons are with old Tempier, Paolo Bea and many of the great traditionalists of the Northern Rhône. This, of course, is crudely reductive. There's absolutely nothing like Musar.

Musar's wines are earthy and gamey, while maintaining an undeniable aristocratic air. As wild as Musar can get, the wines possess a harmony and nobility that's absolutely gorgeous. Once initiated it's easy to become obsessed. They age beautifully - a 1988 that we drank a few years ago is still a Crush legend.

2001 was a very strong vintage for Musar. It exemplifies so much of what makes Musar perpetually fascinating. There's game, leather, spice and dark fruits, combined with an abundance of lift and structure that promises these wines will age really well. Like all Musar, it's nearly impossible to put your finger on everything that's happening. The wine is endlessly multi-faceted and constantly evolving.

Chateau Musar was founded in 1930 by Serge Hochar's father, Gaston, when he was 20 years old in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Gaston immediately set the estate on the path of quality. Serge studied in Bordeaux with the famed enologist, Émile Peynaud, and took over from his father in 1959.

Serge Hochar persevered in the vineyards throughout Lebanon's civil war. He only missed two vintages, 1976 and 1984 (he produced a tiny amount in the latter), due to the fighting. Serge brought the wines international reknown. By 1977, he'd discovered what he thought was the ideal blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault. There's much more to be said than room allows, so I encourage you to check out Levi Dalton's I'll Drink to That! interview with Serge. Sadly, Serge passed away at the end of 2014.

It's difficult to write a piece on Musar and feel like you've done the wines any justice. Like I said at the beginning, they occupy their own space. There are few wines as singular.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits

2001 Chateau Musar

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