From the Fukyoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu on Japan’s southwestern tip comes this elegant, sophisticated Junmai. Crafted from Yamadanishiki rice polished to 60 per cent, it offers up aromas of Asian pear, mineral, pumpkin, nougat, and apple. Medium-dry, with a round, silky mouth feel and flavours suggesting candied almond and pear.
Ruby-purple colour with a nose of raspberries, oak spice and a note of lavender. Full and silky on the palate with opulent mid-palate flavours of black fruits and liquorice, pure and pretty — a wine that will last for a decade and longer.
A solid-value Riesling with a profile of bergamot, lime, peach, grapefruit, white flower and mineral. Light-bodied yet lengthy, with crisp acidity and a touch of sweetness rounding out the edges.
Pale straw in colour with a minerally grapefruit nose and a suggestion of petrol; just off-dry with a honeyed grapefruit flavour. Nicely balanced; good length.
Clear medium-deep yellow with tons of bubbles. Fruit salad featuring pears and peaches on the nose. Berries, more peaches and orange on the palate, with a sweetish boiled candy finish. Drink up.
Although somewhat closed, this well-crafted Cru Bourgeois does reveal red and dark fruit with a touch of tannic astringency on the nose and good depth of fruit in the mouth. Tannins and acidity need time to soften and integrate more fully. Nonetheless, this is a solid value. Give it 3+ years in the cellar.
Only one barrel (a new American barrel, that is) of this delicious Icewine was made. It starts off with toast, spice, pomegranate, raspberry, cranberry and pepper. Then, when it hits the palate, it explodes, coating the taste buds with added nuances of cocoa, vanilla, spice and blueberry on the long finale. Pair with a slice of a flourless chocolate cake and revel in the harmony.