musty
An undesirable damp, moldy smell and flavor, usually caused by wine being stored in unclean barrels. Sometimes mustiness can be attributed to a faulty cork, in which case it may disappear on aeration.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.