From Alsace to Lebanon: A Proper Wine Discovery Day

There’s something about walking into a good wine shop when you’re not really expecting anything… and then suddenly you’re surrounded by amazing bottles

That was me this week.

What started as a quick browse turned into one of those moments where you realise your taste in wine is starting to take shape.

Todays Bottle Hugel Riesling

I ended up picking up a bottle of Hugel Riesling to try that evening and honestly, it completely delivered.

On the nose it was fresh and vibrant, exactly what you’d expect, but in the glass it really opened up. Loads of stone fruit peach and apricot and then something I didn’t expect: this almost vanilla and honey note coming through.

Not sweet, just rounded, textured and balanced.

That’s what stood out most it had richness without being heavy, and freshness without being sharp. The kind of wine that makes you slow down a bit and actually pay attention.

It confirmed something for me: I’m starting to lean towards wines that have a bit of evolution to them. Not just one note, straight line flavours.

The Discovery:

While browsing, one bottle kept looking at me, Château Musar 2018 a wine from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon

If you’ve read Thirsty by Tom Gilbey, you’ll know the quote: Everyone should taste this wine at least once in their life.

That stuck with me.

Musar has this reputation for being somewhere between Bordeaux and something completely different. More emotional. More unpredictable. A wine that tells a story rather than just delivering flavour.

I’ll be honest it’s a bit of a gamble for me.

I’ve not always got on with wines that drift too far into smoky or savoury territory. But the 2018 vintage is supposed to be a more approachable entry point riper, cleaner, slightly more controlled.

So I did it.

This isn’t a Tuesday night glass, This is a Sunday evening, proper food, take your time kind of wine.

And that’s exactly how I’m planning to drink it.

The Supporting Cast: Bordeaux Done Right

What impressed me just as much as the headline bottles was the Bordeaux selection.

I spotted Château Mayne-Vieil (Fronsac 2019) at £16.50 and that feels like one of those hidden gems. Right Bank, Merlot led, softer and more rounded than the classic Left Bank style. The sort of wine that doesn’t shout, but just quietly delivers everything you want.

There were also bottles like Château Argadens and Château Pierrail honest, well made Bordeaux that do exactly what they should. No gimmicks, no nonsense.

It’s a reminder that good Bordeaux doesn’t have to mean expensive Bordeaux.

A Christmas Eve Upgrade: Nyetimber Classic Cuvée

And then, almost as an afterthought, I walked into Booths and picked up a bottle of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée for £30.

That’s ridiculous value for what it is.

English sparkling that genuinely competes with Champagne brioche, citrus, that clean, chalky finish. It’s going straight in as the Christmas Eve opener, and I already know it’s going to set the tone perfectly.

What I’m Learning

If there’s one thing this week reinforced, it’s this:

I’m not just buying wine anymore I’m starting to understand what I actually like.

• Freshness, but not sharpness
• Texture, but not heaviness
• Wines that evolve in the glass
• Clean, balanced reds without that harsh smoky edge

And occasionally, something like Musar just to see what else is out there.

What’s Next?

Sunday night is set.

The Musar will be opened, decanted, and given the time it deserves. Good food, no distractions, and a bit of curiosity.

Because sometimes the best wines aren’t the ones you know you’ll love, they’re the ones you’re not quite sure about yet.

And that’s where things get interesting.

Have you tried Château Musar? Let me know I’ve got a feeling this one’s going to be a conversation starter.