Community Tasting Note

Friday, January 23, 2015 - The marmite wine. I'm in the "love it" category. I've got about 30 bottles of this vintage and I'm trying not to open them too quickly. If you want a wine (1) with a bit of age and bags of character (2) which everyone will have a view on and (3) which is still very modestly priced in a world of still crazy fine wine prices then look no further than this one. If you are a gambling man then you will also enjoy the usual Musar Russian Roulette (about 1 in 12 corked on average in my experience for older Musar wines, and another 1 in 12 oddly 'dull'). But if you get a good one, it is pretty unforgettable and head-turning stuff (and always my 'wild card' at any blind tasting I host, and always the one everyone wants to talk about). This one is stuffed full of barnyard and cherry but (I think and hope) will continue to improve (i.e. become even more funky and delicious). Not as good as the 1991 or 1995 (my two favourite years, for different reasons) but better than the 2001 and 2004. Can't wait to continue to see how this one develops over the next 10 years (but I'll have to).

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Comment posted by Goldstone:

1/23/2015 7:57:00 AM - Dude, as a Musar nut for my entire adult life I can only say that your note captures the essence of what makes a Musar nut. On a more serious note, I think that the 1999 vintage has the stuffing to limit yourself to on bottle per year. Seriously, the 1977 and 1978 are liquid of the gods today and the 1999 could get there. I once discussed this with Serge Hochar and he complimented me on my judgement (or maybe he was just being polite).
Comment posted by TheMajor:

1/23/2015 8:17:00 AM - That's kind of you to say so Goldstone. I finally took the plunge today to add my own comments on this great website and write rather than just read about some of my most memorable wines! It's turning out to be a fun afternoon. Yes I am a Musar nut. My first one (the 1991) blew me away and I haven't looked back. Every bottle is different, but every bottle is absolutely uniquely Musar. Love it!
Comment posted by VTCellarDweller:

1/23/2015 8:25:00 AM - Terrific write up. I was first introduced to this three years ago and was totally smitten. Like you, I am sitting with a nice stash (22 bottles plus 3 mags). So far, none corked and only one dullard.
Musar joins Pegau,LdH Rioja Gran Riserva, Vallana Gattinara and Calabretta Etna Rosso in the special bottle section of our cellar.
Comment posted by TheMajor:

1/23/2015 8:29:00 AM - Thank you Jerwin! I have 3 mags too in their orange boxes. Won't touch those yet - I promise!