Wine: Musar Red
Winemaker: Chateau Musar
Vintage: 2004
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan & Cinsault
Price: £27
Buy Now: Roberson Wine

As with many other 04's I've enjoyed, this example had the same youthful nose, not something one can often associate with Musar; very Bordeaux in style: blackcurrant and blackberry, with earthy notes and a subtle hint of leather. In the mouth: sweet raspberry, sour chalky cranberry, developing into sweet blackcurrant and bitter blackberry, rounded off with a heavily spiced finish.

A full bodied wine, with a healthy, but linear acidity, moderate intensity and fine silky tannins. All in all lacking the intensity of other 04's I've enjoyed, but bottle and vintage variation is common in Musar and for me, one of the many reasons I adore the uniqueness of the geniuses from Lebanon.

This wine is developing nicely and should evolve to it's peak sometime between 2020-2024. Will accompany fillet of beef or roasted shoulder of lamb beautifully and should be served around 18'c and decanted a couple of hours prior to consumption.

Enjoy!

Wine: The Father Blend
Winemaker: Peter Franus
Vintage: 2014
Variety: Syrah / Shiraz Blend
Price: £22.99
Buy Now: From Virgin Wines

An abundance of dark ripe cherries, plum and brambles hits you on the nose, brought together with a dash of dried raisins and prunes. There's a slight dusting of dark cocoa powder with a little damp earthiness to finish off the nose.

On the palate, an exuberant burst of black brambles and licorice, fresh yet sophisticated with a touch of tannins that roll off the tongue. More of that dark cocoa powder comes to play with a small amount of white pepper spice. The spice gradually fades into a fresh and inviting finish as the tannins begin to disappear and a burst of lively fresh fruits linger.