
The Akita prefecture is situated on the beautiful lush island of Honshu and boasts of beautiful mountain ranges, velvety forests, and crisp blue lakes. This prefecture is a beautiful region that has been labeled as an ideal land for sake production. The Akita prefecture is the fourth sake producing region and is known as a fantastic land filled with high quality rice, cool water, and nice cool weather that aid sake brewing. The cold and frigid winters often bring large amounts of snow. The Akita prefecture’s first record is dated the year 658, but in 733, Akita Castle was built in the region and more roads and buildings were crafted as a result. The region remained mostly separated from Japanese culture and society until around the year 600, due to its location. The prefecture was the home of mostly tribes and hunters. The Akita prefecture is situated far from sprawling metropolitan areas, which is one of the reasons why some believe that sake production only escalated during the 20th century, when technology and transportation expanded. Today, there are roughly 50 breweries in the prefecture. The breweries initially crafted ginjo, but today, the region produces some of the best sakes because of its lush landscapes and climate.
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The Factor is predominantly from the Gomersal and Marananga sub-regions of the Barossa, providing dense texture and richness to the palate with subtle notes of olive tapenade, saddle leather and minerals. Ripe aromas of plum and wild blackberries, olive, pepper and spice are all supported by a dark core of espresso roast, ripe blackberries and saltbush. Brooding and densely packed, this lavish wine has ample generosity to cellar for many years, where it will slowly unravel.
Review:
Offers a dense, powerful mix of violet, bittersweet chocolate and sandalwood-infused morello cherries in syrup. Blueberry, blackberry and date-nut bread flavors are plump on a frame of polished and toothsome tannins. Clove and Saigon cinnamon notes linger, with a powerful crescendo on the finish. Shiraz.
Wine Spectator 96 Points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 96+ Points
Rudi Pichler Grüner Veltliner Ried Achleithen Smaragd 2023 is made from 100% Grüner Veltliner.
Grüner Veltliner is the signature grape of Austria and produces a dry white wine with savory aromas, spicy flavors, and good acidity. Grüner Veltliner Smaragd from the Wachau is a full-bodied wine and is rich in style with notes of stone fruit, lemon, radish, and arugula.
Grüner Veltliner’s bright acidity and savory character make it an ideal partner to mildly spiced Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese flavors. Fish and shellfish are accented by Grüner Veltliner’s citrus and mineral profile while its acidity cuts the richness of pork or ham. It can also work well with foods that are difficult to pair such as bitter greens and asparagus.
Review:
#13 in Top 100 Wines of Austria, 2024. Such an expressive and elegant gruner veltliner. Yes, it has those classic peppery aromas on the medium-bodied palate, but there’s also an entire floral dimension that makes it stand out so prominently. Then comes the extremely long, silky and refined finish that’s incredibly sensuous. Sustainable. Drink or hold.
James Suckling, 98 points