Unlike wine grapes, it is not as easy to taste the difference between rice strains that are used to produce sake. There are several types of rice used to produce sake with each variety yielding a specific flavor profile. Dewasansan rice is different from its genetic parent Omachi, or the most popular sake rice, Yamada Nishiki. Dewasansan makes three junmai ginjos that are similar in style. These vary only because of the rice. Dewasansan is one of the most creative sake breweries in Japan and has been around for more than a century. Intensely floral, some Dewasansan feature aromas of pencil lead, paint and steel, and although that does not sound very appetizing, the complexity of the blend is the strength. On the palate, you will get a flowery taste at first that evolves into golden apple, graphite, yellow plum, and pear. The finish that results is creamy and smooth with a soft landing after an intensely wild ride. Dewasansan stands up to most meat dishes, especially grilled chicken and roasted pork. It is also excellent with flavorful fish like salmon and mackerel. Try Dewasansan as an alternative to choucroute or Alsatian white wine. Wine lovers will find the texture of Dewasansan similar to white wine as it retains the richness of the sake.
No products found
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Avennia Arnaut Syrah is made of 100% Syrah
For our taste, no one grows finer Syrah in the state than Dick Boushey. We named this wine after the Provencal Troubadour Arnaut Daniel, who invented the Sestina poem form, thus creating a connection between our two flagship efforts.
"Deep, dark Syrah notes on the nose, with dark blackberry, blueberry reduction, grilled meat, crushed olive, black licorice, camphor, pen ink, and cracked black pepper. The palate is super concentrated and dense, tightly focused, and deeply complex. Savory blueberry, pan drippings, a hint of orange essence, and hand-rubbed sage come through on the extremely long and nuanced finish. A compelling wine that will age for a couple decades at least." - Chris Peterson, Winemaker
We make this wine with minimal manipulation, using native yeasts and bottling unfined and unfiltered, to allow the "place" to shine through.
AVA: Yakima Valley
Blend: 100% Boushey Vineyard Syrah
Winemaking: 15% whole cluster, native yeast, 15% new French oak, aged 16 months, bottled unfined & unfiltered.
Review:
Dick Boushey is the high priest of Syrah growers in Washington state for a reason, and it's all on display here at the deft hand of winemaker Chris Peterson. Dried lavender florals and notes of thyme, anise and wild oregano dance around alpine mountain berries and juniper. The palate shows notes of chicory root spice, smoky clove, and salted blood orange vibrance, lifts the mid-palate and finishes with mouthfuls of blueberries, thyme and black tea.
-Decanter 95 Points