Chateau Musar Dinner @ 67 Pall Mall

Last night we hosted a fabulous private dinner with Chateau Musar in The Marlborough Room at 67 Pall Mall for 14 guests. Following a fizz reception in the Members' Lounge, where we enjoyed our crowd pleasing Mas de Daumas Gassac Rose Frizant, we moved to our dining room for the evening where we were very pleased to be joined by Ralph Hochar, part of the legendary Chateau Musar family from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Whilst enjoying our first wine of the evening, Chateau Musar White 2015, that is made from 100% Merwah, an indigenous grape variety from the Lebanon, we were regaled by Ralph about the history of the family, the country and of course the winery and wines. It is a hugely interesting subject, as there are so many elements involved, and how history has shaped the path of this iconic wine estate. Our first course arrived, a 67 favourite of Scotch Burford Brown Egg with haggis and piccalilli, we were presented with Chateau Musar 2010, this time served in magnum. This time a blend of 60% Obadeih and 40% Merwah. It was interesting that whilst almost everyone around the table had tried Chateau Musar Red before, only one member of the group had tried Chateau Musar white - and pleasingly everyone very much enjoyed both white wines. With the main course of Roast Saddle of Lamb, we served Chateau Musar Red 2016 in magnum, the latest release from the estate, alongside Chateau Musar Red 2000. It was a treat to open a wine up that was over 20 years old, and still tasting very young. The 2000 seemed to get the plaudits and be the wine of the evening. With pudding, Valrhona chocolate fondant, malted ice cream, we enjoyed our last wine - Chateau Musar Red 1998. All red wines from Musar are made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan - and they make wines that reflect the conditions of that year, so that there is always a great story to tell with each wine. The 1998, only 2 years older than the 2000, tasted completely different, with a much more floral nose, but still with a very elegant and balanced palate. Many thanks to Ralph Hochar for joining us for this very special evening - it really brings the wine subject to life when you have someone from the vineyard giving you little snippets that really make a difference compared to reading in a book! We are now planning our next dinner with this group...potentially to Rioja! If you are interested in hosting a wine dinner with us, whether it is for a group of friends, or for a more corporate crowd, then please do get in touch. charles.waud@waudwines.com