There is a report on the UK wine forum that Serge Hochar has died. The next Musar I open will be very special.
We were already planning to open a '99 Musar tonight. If the rumour is true, we’ll have it in his honour.
Bartholomew Broadbent, who imports Musar, has reported it. So sadly it’s true.
Loss of a titan and wine ambassador and visionary—I have always, always enjoyed the uniqueness of the wines he made and, very often, the high quality as well. I have heard from those who met him that he was a passionate and tremendously interesting man. A sad loss. RIP.
Mike
Wow…terrible news…I have an '05…great wines for the tariff…godspeed
Very sad. I’ve had the pleasure to meet him a few times….so much knowledge.
I’m going to open a '91 tonight in memory.
So sad. A remarkable man.
Godspeed
Never met him or saw him speak but greatly enjoy his wines, rest peacefully sir.
Same here. Lots of credit to him for what he did and in particular, under the circumstances he was working in. RIP.
Opened a 94 over the holidays. Very mercurial wine but had a striking beauty to it regardless of flaw. Sad to see someone willing to make bold bets with his wine making pass. Does anyone know the cause (age)?
Apparently, a swimming accident: RIP Serge Hochar | JancisRobinson.com
If you haven’t heard the I’ll Drink to That podcast with him, it’s worth a listen in his memory. Tremendous ambassador for our shared passion and the maker of truly distinctive wines.
Very sad - had the chance to meet him once - incredibly passionate winemaker who had managed to make marvelous wines through tremendous turmoil that surrounded him. RIP.
Sad to hear, most definitely. We were fortunate as a wine community to have him as our special guest in mid 2013, if you recall: Special Wine Guests - Serge Hochar 6/10/13 - 6/14/ - WineBerserkers
Sad news. We drank a 72 tonight, which was a beauty and a fitting tribute.
Wow, truly sad… a swimming accident. Serge Hochar of Château Musar Dies in Accident | Wine-Searcher News & Features
His wines are unique and truly special, and though I never met him, my sense was that he was similar in his generosity with his knowledge and insight into the wine world. Loved the Q&A he did here and all the great conversations his wines have sparked (and will continue to spark).
Major bummer…
Terrible news! Just purchased a couple of Musars to drink in his honor, he will be missed.
An irreplaceable loss for the wine world. Visionary comes to mind when you look at how his wines age and seem impervious to poor fill levels & bad storage. Serge, wherever you are, “I hope I didn’t answer your question.”
So sad to hear! I’ve loved his wines ever since Greg dal Piaz opened one for me over 15 years ago and I had always hoped to meet him one day. He accomplished amazing things, making great wine under incredibly difficult circumstances.