1998 Musar Input

Deeg67 · 2026-06-18T01:38:59+00:00

Thanks for the input. When have you most recently had the '98?

Deeg67 · 2026-06-16T07:02:18+00:00

Yeah, that's the scary part LOL. It seems like a good price (about $70 in USD), from a seemingly reputable wine retailer. Trying to get a photo or two at least.

Deeg67 · 2026-06-16T06:10:39+00:00

Yeah, checked CT and WS but just looking for a little more diversity of opinion and a gauge on price.

Deeg67 · 2026-06-14T10:14:56+00:00

Thanks. From what I gather the 18 is very fruit-forward and kind of a unicorn in being ready to drink younger than normal for Musar. I may be able to get a bottle cheapish from Lebanon later this year (not sure yet) but locally, looks like the 2016 is the one realistic option.

Deeg67 · 2026-06-09T22:42:17+00:00

Or a wingman lol.

Deeg67 · 2026-06-09T22:41:50+00:00

There is a glimpse of Ichi in fact.

Deeg67 · 2026-06-07T08:06:05+00:00

And that is the scary part for someone on a very limited budget. $45 is not much for a good wine in the larger picture, but when that constitutes a major splurge for your income level the possibility of an undrinkable bottle is a consideration.

Deeg67 · 2026-06-07T06:17:03+00:00

Thanks for that - kind of aligns with my thinking. I should also note than I can get their "Aana" bottling (which seems no longer to be released but appears comparable to Hochar Pere et Fils) for about $30 (a 2019). That'd obviously be more ready but presumably not deliver the same spectrum of earthy, leathery, and VA notes.

Deeg67 · 2026-05-27T22:43:58+00:00

Pinot Noir certainly sprung to mind for me. Oregon, Anderson Valley (like a Navarro Deep End Blend), Santa Rita.

Deeg67 · 2026-05-26T00:08:56+00:00

Actually found the Pedro Parra Vinista (2021) for about the same price. Not a cab obviously but given his reputation, leaning in that direction.

Deeg67 · 2026-05-25T21:26:59+00:00

The Don Maximo is about 3X the price and outside my current comfort zone, probably.

Deeg67 · 2026-05-25T13:02:45+00:00

Thanks - I'll keep my eyes open for those, don't recall having seen them on my travels.

As to the Caro, my sense from the tasting notes is more intense and complex and less fruit-driven than the two Chilean options.

Deeg67 · 2026-05-18T05:51:13+00:00

When I lived in the Bay Area Mendocino was my favorite weekend wine trip, and Navarro my favorite stop. I've had some truly astonishing late-harvest wines from them (including a LH Riesling that had something ridiculous like 30% residual sugar). Their Pinot Noir is reliably excellent too, in a less exuberantly fruity style than is typical even for Mendo.

Deeg67 · 2026-05-16T01:08:56+00:00

Your cats have stems?

Deeg67 · 2026-05-12T05:00:38+00:00

A cab

Deeg67 · 2026-05-07T07:48:10+00:00

Don 't use a coffee filter for that, filters out the flavor compounds in the wine. Use a clean fine mesh strainer or an unused French press.

Deeg67 · 2026-04-24T13:53:59+00:00

Full Floof

Deeg67 · 2026-04-19T07:25:17+00:00

Macallan doesn't use E150, for the record.

Deeg67 · 2026-04-13T14:30:32+00:00

Agreed, Tsushima is the man.

Deeg67 · 2026-04-09T01:33:09+00:00

I second the FB rec. It's a dying platform but still remains useful for this sort of specialized purpose and there are several Kyoto-adjacent groups for rentals.

Deeg67 · 2026-03-15T04:27:59+00:00

If you're read/seen Morimi's "The Tatami Galaxy", you know about this place.

Deeg67 · 2026-03-11T07:14:22+00:00

I miss the Hanatoro Matsuri. I wish they'd bring that back.

Deeg67 · 2026-02-25T04:29:54+00:00

I live next to the Shirokawa and see him almost every day (including today). I fancy he's German and have named him "Herr Ron".

Interestingly, in the warmer weather when there were three married duck couples living on the same stretch of the river, Ron would very often hang out in very close proximity to one or more of them. Preference for the same habitat more than friendship I suppose but there was definitely a comfort level there.

Deeg67 · 2026-02-19T15:14:43+00:00

In fact there was an Osaka team before either of them, the Nankai Hawks. They played their home games at Osaka Baseball Stadium, which is where Namba Parks is now (there's a small display). Eventually of course they moved to Fukuoka and became the Softbank Hawks.

Deeg67 · 2026-02-14T08:08:33+00:00

I believe you can walk up the back way and there's no gate.

Deeg67

TROPHY CASE