Serge Hochar (Château Musar): RIP

November 2005: Serge Hochar and the bride

Very sad to hear that the legendary Serge Hochar (Château Musar) has died. Apparently he had a fatal swimming accident while on holiday in Mexico. Born on 20th November 1939, he was 75. 

I met Serge on a number of occasions and particularly remember the Circle of Wine Writers trip to the Lebanon in November 2005. We arrived in Beirut on an early Sunday evening and were whisked up to a restaurant high above the city where one of Château Musar's staff was celebrating his wedding. It was a magical evening and start to our fascinating trip to the Lebanon.  

RIP Post on Jancis Robinson MW's site. 

Also Vinography and wine-searcher.

Fine Appreciation by Eric Asimov in the New York Times

David Cobbold pays hommage in Les 5 du Vin 

In 1984 Serge Hochar was Decanter's first Man of the Year.   

   

 November 2005: Serge with the bridegroom

 Serge and Neil Fairlamb

The newly married couple

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Serge the next day when we (CWW) visited the cellars of Château Musar
Jill Norman in background