The War in Lebanon and Chateau Musar

In the late summer of this year the political situation erupted in the Middle East. Israel shelled and invaded parts of Lebanon. Our concerns immediately were for our friends at primarily Château Musar but for all wine makers in not only Lebanon but also Israel. For the first time since its inception we used our website for current news. Many of your who read the report which we wrote in conjunction with Château Musar (UK) Ltd. found it very helpful. As you know the dispute was settled, and the grapes in the Bekaa Valley were collected safely. In a few years time we will drink a very historic wine.
On the subject of history we decided that this year we would promote the 2005 vintage En Primeur. We bought a number of parcels of excellent claret from this exceptional vintage. It is a delightful way of buying wine at a keen price in anticipation of its maturity. We still have a few cases and if you would like to purchase some please contact me. Payment for the wine is due now and when it is shipped in 2008 we will ask for the delivery, duty and VAT to be paid.
That is for drinking for the future. From the past we have acquired many cases of wonderful old Clarets. These include wines from the 70’s, Château Beychevelle 4th St Julien 1975 (£58.85), - 80’s. Les Forts de Latour (2nd Wine of Château Latour) 1983 (£52.50) and 90’s Château Cissac 1997 (£14.95). Please ask for a list, which we can email to you. I would also mention that we have very small stocks of these fine wines so to quote “Please order early for Christmas – to save disappointment”.
We have over the years gained a reputation for half bottles and magnums. At Christmas it creates a wonderful impression to open a large bottle for lunch. Also the wine will usually taste better!!! Our magnums range from Maconnais, Pouilly Fuissé “les Chailloux” 1993 (£27.50) to Clarets (Château Loudenne £32.60), red and white Burgundies, Rhone and some new world ones.
Finally there is possibly nothing better than a magnum of champagne, preferably vintage such as Pol Roger Vintage 1998 (£87.90) or Taittinger non-vintage (£62.50).
Having enjoyed the old claret and champagne it is time to settle down for the afternoon nap with a glass of fine port. We have Delaforce 1982 (£29.50) and some older wines such as Croft 1977 (£49.60) and Taylor’s 1983 (£49.50). If you prefer Armagnac or Cognac we have a large range including Leyrat VSOP (£37.50). It has lovely fruit and a smooth elegant finish. This is a fantastic new addition to our selection.
Those customers who walk through Beaconsfield Old Town or have called into the shop since August will have noticed that we have taken on a new line. In our window we have installed a small ‘fridge in which we stock a range of Foie gras and Caviar. At Christmas these luxuries are a special treat. We have Beluga, Oscietra, Sevruga in 30grm and larger sizes are available to order.
As ever at our tasting the ‘canapés’ will be provided by Kingsmead Cuisine and on this occasion we will be able to sample some of the Foie Gras as well.

Neil Bingham