The 2017 Château Musar has a perfumed bouquet with well-defined plummy red fruit, fireside embers and pressed flower scents. A hint of VA in the background gives the aromatics a welcome kick. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and well-judged acidity, harmonious, not powerful, yet full of flavor. A pleasing bitterness surfaces towards the finish, with moderate persistence and a residual white pepper tang lingering in the mouth. Very nice.

Ruby colored with a faded rim, this wine has a nose of stewed prunes, tobacco leaf and cinnamon. It is fresher on the palate than expected, with flavors of cherry, pomegranate, dark chocolate, clove, mint tea and orange zest. Athletic tannins are well matched by vivid acidity. Drink now.