WTN: Musar and a Ripasso

[Jenise]

2010 Chateau Musar Blanc Bekaa Valley White Blend
Consumed over six days, best on Day Two. Very much like a LdH Tondonia: on the richer side with attractive oxidation but showing more fruit and complexity on Day Two. I haven't encountered this kind of oxi in Musar blancs before, though someone else's bottle about three years ago hinted at this. Also loaded with orange blossoms and roasted hazelnuts. The oxidation became more prominent over the week.

2018 Ca'Erto Ripasso della Valpolicella Corvina Blend
Good fruit and body, evolving but not yet mature. My last of six bottles, wish I had more.

[David M. Bueker]

Nice pair of wines. I really like Valpolicella. Not sure why I never buy any.

[Jenise]

Same. And that's why we motored through all six. The wine wasn't in a hurry, but when I've gone into the cellar wanting a last-minute PnP that's not too serious and not too heavy, it's been a great choice again and again.

...when I've gone into the cellar wanting a last-minute PnP that's not too serious and not too heavy, it's been a great choice again and again.

Great category to have around!

I used to keep a fair bit of Valpolicella in the cellar but for some reason have let it shrink to nothing (anything I now have carries the name 'Amarone' after it" Rather like a regular Beaujolais in weight and development arc. except for some that age well. I should make a point of picking up a few bottles for use over the summer (although it is good in any season). The Ripasso versions have a bit of extra flavour kick from getting some partially fermented grapes out of the Amarone fermenters.

2010 Chateau Musar Blanc Bekaa Valley White Blend
Consumed over six days, best on Day Two. Very much like a LdH Tondonia: on the richer side with attractive oxidation but showing more fruit and complexity on Day Two. I haven't encountered this kind of oxi in Musar blancs before, though someone else's bottle about three years ago hinted at this. Also loaded with orange blossoms and roasted hazelnuts. The oxidation became more prominent over the week.

I'm sorry to report that you drank it too young. Musar Blanc only starts to get interesting at age 20. Until then, like the Rouge, the wine is all over the place... don't know what you're going to get.

[Jenise]

I have two more, no loss. Happy to take one for the team--but thanks for the advice.

I find Musar white all over the place regardless of age!