Chateau Musar 2009

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (88)

The 2009 Hochar Pere et Fils is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan aged in French oak. For those familiar only with Musar's reputation as a producer of powerful wines likely to age indefinitely and hard to encounter young, this mid-level offering will change perceptions. Very fruity, sweet and velvety on opening, it seemed to be a relatively soft wine with modest concentration and a fleshy and forward feel, something that will appeal easily to modern drinkers with little resistance. This seemed mostly about the sexy fruit on opening. Early on, it finished not only sweet, but even with a little candy. It needed a couple of hours of aeration to show a bit more stuffing, pulling in some of the sweet fruit while displaying a bit of complexity and a bit of steel underneath. At that point, it was far more interesting and impressive. Overall, this still is ultimately a rather sexy beast, even if it manages to maintain a suave and elegant mid-palate. Don't be fooled, by the way: with air, more tannic pop arrives.

Winespectator (91)

This has a good energy, featuring an integrated arrangement of cherry paste, currant tart and blood orange flavors, with details of licorice, thyme and leather echoing into the smooth, tobacco-tinged finish. The better of two bottles tasted. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault.