A very pale greenish-yellow hue, not often seen in European varieties. On the nose, it shows aromas of green citrus like sudachi or kabosu, along with white peach and grassy herbs. On the palate, it’s clearly fuller and more substantial in fruit than the budget version I had last time (Kayagatake), with a firmer core of flavor. The acidity doesn’t cut sharply in a vertical line but rather spreads gently across the palate. A touch of bitterness and astringency comes in toward the finish, but this should be taken as character rather than a flaw.
Reference books often describe it as having a “refreshing taste,” but it’s not the same brightness you’d expect from Sauvignon Blanc or Italian and Spanish white varieties—it carries a quieter, more contemplative impression. Perhaps it’s just my bias, but I even detect something reminiscent of ginjō-ka (the fragrant note found in premium sake) in its flavors and lingering aromas. In that sense, it’s undoubtedly a wine that pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese cuisine.
That said, the issue with this label is the price. Even giving it the benefit of the doubt, anything over 3,000 yen feels a bit steep. Once autumn sets in, I plan to explore a few Kōshū wines in the 2,000-yen range instead.