
A short-grained rice comes from Japan and is used to produce some of the highest quality sake today. Desired by sake brewers, Yamada Nishiki absorbs water and dissolves very easily. Labeled the King of sake rice, Yamada Nishiki is fragrant with a soft, well-blended flavor. Bred in 1923 Yamada Nishiki is truly the most popular rice for sake, and is a cross between Tankanwataribune and Yamadaho. Nishiki rice is usually harvested in the narrow valley of the Tamba Highlands, which are located in the north of the Rokko Mountains. Sake rice is classified into five groups with only three being used for premium sake. The highest class of rice is then divided into two classes. Yamada Nishiki rice has a large grain and a distinctive white core that contains an abundance of starch. This makes it perfect for creating koji mold. Yamada Nishiki produces sake that is characterized as refined and complex increasing its depth of flavor during the aging process. Yamada Nishiki is not easy to cultivate, even though it has favorable features for sake brewing. Farmers must make sure that the roots and stalks are strong enough to support the rice because of its size. Yamada Nishiki grows taller than any other rice.
No products found
Hickinbotham Brooks Road Shiraz is made from 100 percent Shiraz.
After the hand-picked Shiraz clusters were delivered from high country (210-230 meters) by Viticulturer Michael Lane, the winemaker destemmed and sorted the whole berries into open fermenters. The cold soak was four days, the skins plunged three times daily, and the minimum time on skins was eighteen days. The wine was then basket pressed; its free run and pressings kept separate. To minimize filtration at bottling, three rack-and-returns were conducted over fifteen months as the wine seasoned in a mixture of Burgundy-coopered barrels.
This Shiraz shows the characters this vineyard has displayed since the start, but perhaps in a more elegant, harmonious and balanced form. Its consistency is comforting and reassuring, buttressed by blue and black fruit notes throughout. It is readily enjoyable but has all the structure, acid and tannin to offer decades of rewards from cellaring.
Review:
A rich, succulent mix of dark chocolate, spiced plum, wild blackberry and black licorice notes. Showcases both power and elegance, with chai, cigar box, violets and dried sage notes, velvety and generous, on the long, generous finish. Drink now through 2035. 1,900 cases made, 370 cases imported
-Wine Spectator 95 Points
Henriot Brut Millesime 2014 is made from 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir.
If the expression is intense and heady, it is nevertheless of an extraordinary finesse and elegance. A strength of character emerges, powerful, virile yet restrained and humble. The register is fresh, floral, vanilla, greedy. In the mouth the structure is solid, constructive, rectangular. The tannins take place and last after tasting. The freshness is present throughout the tasting, ending with a delicate bitter touch.
Review:
Showing floral notes of acacia and jasmine alongside sourdough, lemons and green apples. Walnuts and apricots, too. Open and inviting, with gentle nutty undertones, a medium to full body and a fine mousse. Long and persistent. 50% chardonnay and 50% pinot noir. Disgorged October 2022. This will be released later in 2023. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling 93 Points