The wine shows a generally pale hue of whitish yellow, leaning slightly toward straw. On the nose, it offers aromas of white peach, sudachi citrus, lychee, and a delicate hint of white flowers and vanilla. On the palate, the gentle and refined fruit character is supported by a lively, vibrant acidity, which, together with the clean texture, brings everything into pleasing harmony.
Since it is barrel-aged, I had some concerns that the fruit might be overwhelmed by the oak or that its delicacy might be compromised, but not at all—this turned out to be an impressively well-crafted Koshu. It’s the kind of wine that could easily accompany everyday dinners, pairing well with a wide range of dishes, both Japanese and Western.