Sakana to Jozoshu Osaka Fukushima Uogin

Selected about 15 rows of healthy grapevines. Cultivation and harvest: average vine age 50 years. Plant density 9,000 plants/ha. Yield 45-50 hl/ha. HVE certified sustainable farming. Harvested one week later than the usual cuvée, waiting as long as possible for grape maturity. Winemaking and aging: fermentation for 2 weeks below 26°C in stainless steel tanks. Natural yeast used. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Only lots capable of long aging are selected in the final tasting.

A négociant renowned in Vosne-Romanée. This wine is produced by a famous domaine in Vosne-Romanée that prefers to remain unnamed. It has a refined aroma and a fresh finish with crisp acidity. A white wine that pairs well with light Japanese dishes like sushi, fish carpaccio, and is also suitable for an aperitif.

In the Macon region, 95% of producers use herbicides and mechanical harvesting, but at Meilland, they have never used chemical fertilizers or herbicides since the beginning. They frequently till the fields and selectively harvest fully ripe, healthy grapes by hand. The grapes grown on the steep slopes with strong winds are less likely to be infested by pests, so there is no need to apply insecticides. To avoid damaging the grapes before fermentation, they are harvested in small boxes, and after being sorted again on the selection table, they are quickly placed in tanks for fermentation. Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed, and Pinot Noir is 100% destemmed (Gamay is fermented whole-cluster). They undergo complete malolactic fermentation, are bottled without fining, and either not filtered or minimally filtered. Mr. Olivier, who meticulously crafts the wine by hand, has established himself as a leader among high-quality wineries in the Macon region.

Slightly deep yellow. Sweet fruit aroma reminiscent of ripe pear. Bright scent evoking yellow flowers. As an Albarino, it has a surprisingly thick attack. Soft fruit flavor with sweetness like pear, as suggested by the aroma. Following that, a firm acidity reminiscent of yellow-skinned citrus like grapefruit and hassaku can also be felt. The body is rich, but thanks to the clean acidity, the overall impression is tight. There is a good balance between elegance and freshness.

A delicate beauty residing in a golden yellow hue that is pale and pure to the point of transparency, with a certain luster. Combined with a floral aroma, a refreshing herbal scent and vibrant fruit notes spread out in a layered fragrance. And while carrying a concentrated vivid fruitiness, it gracefully extends with a refreshing sensation that lifts the spirits. This will invite the drinker into a pleasant aftertaste and an indescribable sense of liberation. The meticulous blend of 95.5% Sauvignon Blanc and just 4.5% Semillon portrays the unique elegance of this wine.

From Hoffkirsch's own vineyard, an east-facing Riesling plot. Deep topsoil with loamy soil. A shining golden color due to short skin contact (about 6 days until ALC 3-4%). Naturally fermented and aged in 500L old puncheon barrels (with MLF). Bottled with a small amount of sulfur dioxide. Non-filtered, no fining agents used. A texture that envelops the mouth with honey and lychee. A wonderful Riesling that wraps you in a sense of happiness.

Uses grapes from TOSQ Wines (BioGro certified) located in Central Otago. The grape blend consists of 85% Pinot Gris and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. The harvested grapes are destemmed and undergo approximately 10 days of pre-fermentation maceration, fermentation with wild yeast, and skin contact (a total of 38 days). They are basket pressed and aged in old barrels for 20 months. Finally, blended with Sauvignon Blanc and 15ppm of antioxidant is added before bottling. It is unfiltered and does not use fining agents. Aromas of quince and ripe apple, along with white pepper. It has a smooth mouthfeel with a spread of umami and a hint of bitterness, complemented by a refreshing acidity.

Using young Pinot Noir from the Volnay vineyards (up to 20 years old). After hand harvesting, 10% whole cluster fermentation is performed (just enough to lightly press, so it does not extract fully). Fermentation is carried out with wild yeast and aged in old barrels. When the wine is ready, it is bottled on the waning moon. No filtration is done if the wine is clear. It has a pure, smooth texture that seeps into the body, with pleasant strawberry-like red fruit flavors spreading comfortably.

Using grapes from a vineyard located about 200m from Chambertin Clos de Bèze. It has a rich aroma of dark fruits such as blueberries and blackberries, with pure fruit flavors, soft and delicate tannins, and wonderful harmony. This wine pairs well with meals.

Uses grapes from multiple plots of Le Conci de Champs vineyard, which has an area of 0.95ha (elevation 240m, facing east to southeast). The vineyard name is derived from 'an orchard surrounded by trellises.' 100% destemmed, fermented in stainless steel tanks at 18-20°C for 1-3 months. Malolactic fermentation is carried out slowly, and it is aged for 18 months in French oak with the lees (new barrel ratio 10%). Aromas of cherry, plum, and spice. It has a thick, velvety layer, good body, and tannins that envelop the core of fruitiness and mature structure. It is rich and mellow, yet the rich flavors have a freshness that creates a remarkable balance. A refined taste that allows you to enjoy beautiful fruitiness.

The appearance is a shimmering ruby hue. When poured into the glass, aromas of fruits such as raspberry and blueberry mingle with hints of dried flowers, mint, and wood. The mouthfeel is smooth with rounded tannins and fresh fruit flavors that harmonize in a well-balanced medium body. A subtle mineral sensation lingers in the aftertaste, resulting in a vibrant and high-quality finish typical of Volnay.

The appearance is a deep garnet hue. From the glass, aromas of ripe plum and cassis are accompanied by hints of tea, spices, and earth. It has a smooth texture, with a harmonious blend of acidity and tannins, creating a mellow flavor that is appealing. The rich fruitiness, silky tannins, and beautiful acidity come together to create a well-balanced taste. This bottle showcases an elegant finish that lingers, reflecting a sense of maturity.

The soil is clay-limestone. Planting density is 5,000 vines/ha, and the training system is Guyot. The dry, full-bodied mouthfeel is rich and supple, with excellent balance. This wine possesses the strength characteristic of Barolo while also offering a pleasant warmth.

The year 2019 at Kenzo Estate in Napa Valley was exceptionally blessed. The continuous rain during winter stored ample nutrients in the soil, and the gentle summer sunshine nurtured rich, deep, and aromatic grapes with a concentrated fruit flavor. The moment it touches the palate, one can feel both strength and delicacy in the attack. Following that, elegant acidity and finely textured, fresh tannins envelop the tongue with a silky smoothness, spreading gently in harmony with the rich fruitiness. Its dense and profound flavor, along with a pleasantly supple mouthfeel, will surely leave a long, gentle finish.

Understanding the characteristics of the ingredients, distillation is performed according to each ingredient. The initial distillate (heads) and final distillate (tails) are not used; only the middle distillate (hearts) is utilized. It begins with the aroma of yuzu, the flavor of juniper berries, and a refreshing bitterness of tea leaves and celery, creating a luxurious and punchy taste.

Supervised by the head chef and sommelier of Ikik Retreat Kairi Village. This gin, with a fruity aroma of strawberries, sharp citrus notes, and a hint of spiciness, pairs well with Japanese cuisine. Enjoy it mixed with tonic or soda alongside dishes such as simmered foods, tempura, grilled meat, and sashimi.

Incorporating unique Japanese ingredients such as gyokuro, yuzu, red pine, and sansho, and using the soft and finely textured underground water of Fushimi. The 11 types of botanicals are classified into six groups based on their characteristics: 'Base', 'Citrus', 'Tea', 'Spice', 'Fruity & Floral', and 'Herbal', and are distilled separately before blending.

Blender's Choice