ITs Food

We’re in one of our quiet spells again, sorry about that, so I thought I’d let you know what’s coming up on ITs Food.

In the next few days we’ll be posting a couple of wine reviews, one being an especially nice white from a Carbon Neutral vineyard. We also hope to finally post Part One of our Fat Duck review, worth waiting for I promise you. It’s amazing how many hits we get from fans of Heston.

For those of you who, like us, are fans of the excellent Château Musar this may be of interest. After having a Château Musar tasting recently (we couldn’t make it!), Bibendum are selling some rare, old vintages. They’re not all that cheap…!

Chateau Musar 2000 (12 x 75cl) - £160 IB
A relatively light Musar. Soft and fresh with lovely berry fruit. One for the short to medium-term. Drink over 3 -5 years.

Chateau Musar 1997 (12 x 75cl) - £215 IB
Much deeper in colour than the 2000 with darker black cherry fruit. The increased tannin, body and acidity reflects the higher percentage of Carignan. Will age well.

Chateau Musar 1991 (12 x 75cl) - £340 IB
Small crop with smaller grapes giving greater complexity and ageing potential. Lighter in colour, heading towards orange from brick red. Warm spice, leather and tobacco notes but bright red fruits still showing too. This was several tasters’ Wine of the Night.

Chateau Musar 1985 (12 x 75cl) - £580 IB
A cool year with very low yields leading to limited availability. Dark in colour with a lovely, full-bodied style. Rich palate with mocha, figs and dried prune notes. Drink soon.

Chateau Musar 1979 (12 x 75cl) - £950 IB
Much fresher than the 1985 with beautiful, fresh acidity and crisp summer pudding red fruits. Lots of life yet and still improving.

Chateau Musar 1977 (12 x 75cl) - £1300 IB
Soft, well balanced and mature. Red fruits, cocoa, spice and a touch of leafiness. Fresh and lively. Another contender for WOTN.

Chateau Musar 1972 (12 x 75cl) - £1900 IB
Mature colour but big and voluptuous on the nose. Almost Port-like aromas with delicious plummy, spicy, sweet fruit. Higher alcohol than the norm adds to the richness on the palate. Lovely spice and leather secondary characters on the palate and a long finish. Should reach the big 40 without problems.

Chateau Musar 1969 (12 x 75cl) - £1950 IB
More Cinsault than usual in the blend. Suprisingly dark with burnt rubber, black fruits and mulled spices. Quite different in style to the ‘72. This is richer with slightly more primary fruit still present and a lush, almost voluptuous finish. Very, very good.

Well, the 2000 is cheaper usually in Sainsbury’s if you buy it when there’s a 25% off deal on (like I do).  The rest are a little out of my league.  I’m pleased the 1991 is popular as I have a couple of bottles at home although I can’t vouch for the way they’ve been”cellared”, anyone want to get me one of these?  If any ITs Food fan picks up a case please feel free to send a bottle along to us for review :D  I like the sound of the 1972 or 1969…