We are still disappointed to have postponed our dinner event with Apero, a wine bar located in Aoyama. However, we are delighted to have been able to host some of you for a virtual tasting this past Saturday. We were not sure how it would go, but are pleased with how it went and hope to bring you more such events including vineyard tours. (Although, for those in Japan, and particularly Tokyo, we think a Shinkansen trip to see the vineyards in person is easy enough and worth it.)
During the virtual tasting, we had the pleasure to taste two wines from Kusunoki Winery and speak extensively with the winemaker and winery owner, Mr. Shigeyuki Kusunoki. Below are our tasting notes. We, unfortunately, ran out of time to discuss everything we set out to with Mr. Kusunoki and have posted an edited but full version of our discussion here.
Hitakihara 2019
A Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend. Pale lemon color with crisp green apple, lemon, grapefruit aromas. Dry with high acidity, medium (but lower end) alcohol (11%) and medium body. Very refreshing. 3,300 yen available online.
Merlot Cuvee Masako 2015
Pale ruby (but almost garnet) color with distinct strawberry, raspberry and some green and earthy aromas. Dry with medium acidity, soft fine tannins and medium alcohol (12%). The name has a wonderful story behind it that you can hear in the video below. 4,400 yen available online.
Friends of Nagano Wine 
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