Had my first Musar, the 1998 vintage. Here was my take:
Recently enjoyed a 98 Musar, my first of any vintage from this estate. It was a bit light as reviews suggested it would be, but it was complex and unusual, seeming to straddle Rioja and Rhone stylistically (and maybe with some southern Italy thrown in; burgundy wasn't out of the question either). I served it blind and the guesses were all over the place, and they eventually settled on old-school Rioja... There was an animal-gamey facet I loved to go with some good density and sweet fruit, and some Italian-style acidity giving it intensity. Suitably rustic-distinctive, maybe just a bit funky, with a hint of VA, it initially seemed slightly corked but that mustiness blew off with air. Overall, I found it pretty thrilling especially if this is a so-so vintage for Musar. 92-93 pts.
That all said, I need more! Though hard to find, I can get the following vintages of it and in differing sizes. What should I buy based on some delta of vintage and price?
Half-Bottles
2004 375 ML $19
2002 375 ML $20
2001 375 ML $21
2000 375 ML $22
1998 375 ML $27
Full Bottles
2004 750 ML $33
2002 750 ML $35
2001 750 ML $39
2000 750 ML $40
1998 750 ML $47
1999 750 ML $49
1997 750 ML $49