Chateau Takeda, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005
Boy, here's something you don't see everyday: wine from Japan. And no silly, I don't mean sake. I mean real, honest-to-goodness red wine. In this case, it's a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon mix (the label doesn't specify the ratio). It appears that the alcohol is 11% -- pretty low. Funny to see Japanese on the back label, and then "Mis en bouteilles au chateau" on the front (basically, "it's bottled at the chateau" in French). Temples: yes. Shrines: check. Castles? Yep. And now, apparently there are chateaus in Japan too!
To start, this wine had a great nose. Vanilla. Licorice (maybe anise). Dust. Pepper. Bark. Currant. And no chemical smell at all. Just lovely aromas. The body was medium (about the equivalent of 2% milk). The taste was plum, and a bit of a Nectarine -- but without the citrus. I mean without any strong acid taste. That, with under-currents of red cherry and cayenne. It then finished just slightly lighter than expected (but not in a bad), with red cherry, and cayenne. All very subtle.
This wine was really smooth. It had a lighter finish, and was no that overly oaked and creamy. It wasn't at all sweet, and it finished with just the right amount of dryness for my tastes. I am really impressed with this considering how long it usually takes to produce high quality wines. Though, honestly, I'm not sure how long they've been at this endeavor, but I would guess that it's safe to say that the Japanese -- at least generally speaking -- are new to making wine (at least out of grapes).
Cost:
Rating:
8.5