2006 Château Musar Red

Cold winter (two weeks of snow) and cold summer – just 10 days of normal summer temperatures. Much more like the 1950s. One third each of Cabernet, Cinsault and Carignan, blended in 2009 and aged for a year in French Nevers oak barrels. Wines are usually released seven years after harvest but in 2013 the 2006 was still far from ready so it was, unusually, held back until spring 2017. Another new chapter in terms of density of colour. For the first time (tasting from old to young) this could be described as crimson. Seriously heady! Smells exotic and mature on the nose but not on the palate. But compared with the older vintages I have just tasted this of course is a baby… Masses of concentration and allure but, although it would give pleasure, it would clearly be sensible to keep it for quite a few more years. Lovely combination of fruit and freshness. Really vivacious. Sweet and rigorous. (JR)