Things that moved me at first become no longer moving when they become part of my daily life. I no longer appreciate them.
I think that’s human nature.
I thought she was a wonderful woman, but when it came to everyday life, I somehow felt like she was a drill sergeant (lol).
I was once told that because sommeliers drink wine on a daily basis, the excitement they feel when they drink a delicious wine may fade away.
It's true that the excitement I felt when I first started drinking wine and thought, "I never knew there was a world like this," has gradually faded.
However, there are many things you can learn only by drinking many different types of sake.
"You shine differently from the others. You're just like Kenshi Yonezu," or "Wow, I'm amazed you were able to express so much for that price! Stop the Camera!"
Once you have the ability to see things from a bird's-eye view to a certain extent, the way you are moved will change again.
So, since it's the end of the year, I, who drink over 100 bottles of New Zealand wine a year, would like to write here about three wines that impressed me this year.
Royal road section
This wine has the distinct characteristics of New Zealand wine, making it truly New Zealand, and I felt that it excelled in concentration and balance.
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Origin: Marlborough Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc
This is a bottle I came across this year at the New Zealand wine tasting and business meeting that I attend every year. In the world of wine, there is a typical taste that is said to be "the taste of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (SB)" (it is very juicy with grapefruit, passion fruit, and herbs), and I thought this was perfectly centered. It is incredibly flavorful, with a fruity flavor. I took a sip and thought, wow, it's delicious. And the deliciousness lasted for quite a while.
By the way, the reason I chose this winery was because it was ranked first in the Top Wineries of New Zealand 2019, announced by Bob Campbell, a big name in the New Zealand wine world. I thought I would try a winery that was recognized by such a great person. And it was really amazing. Well, I'm weak to authority. Hahaha. In fact, it's a winery whose Riesling is highly rated, but I liked SB.
It's a different vintage, but I found it on Amazon, so I'll include a link here.
→ [Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2017 White Wine Dry New Zealand 750ml]
Distinctive department
When it comes to New Zealand wine, there is a certain range of flavors that you would expect, but this wine is unique and not bound by that. It's not a good wine. Since he's a vocaloid, he has a unique personality that sets him apart, like Yonezu.
Pyramid Valley Vineyards The Body Electric Sparkling Riesling 2010 Pyramid Valley Vineyards The Body Electric Sparkling Riesling 2010 Origin: Marlborough Grape variety: Riesling
It's a bottle that's hard to get now. I don't know how much sense there is in introducing a wine that's unavailable, but well, I was really moved by the taste, so it can't be helped. I met this wine bar and when I screamed, "It's so delicious!", he said, "If you like it that much, how about a bottle?" and gave me a bottle from his stock. What's good to have is a kind senior. I'm grateful.
The taste is very natural. It doesn't have the thick fruitiness that is common in New World Rieslings. The soft acidity and subtle sweetness are well balanced, with a slight tingling sensation that is pleasant. This mildness is probably due to the nine years of aging. It's like an innocent beautiful girl who has grown up, but barely wears any makeup. A pretty girl from the countryside. That's the image I get.
I didn't purchase this wine myself, it was given to me, so I didn't have any detailed information about it. So I did a little research. It's a bit technical, but when it was bottled at 7g/l residual sugar, the yeast was still active, so a secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle, resulting in a sparkling wine with 3.5g/l residual sugar, which was then shipped as is, unfined and unfiltered. (This is not official information, as the importer no longer handles it.)
The maker seems to have studied natural winemaking in Burgundy and Alsace. No wonder it has a handmade feel. However, the maker is based in Canterbury, and this wine is made from grapes purchased in Marlborough. The cultivation and brewing are not rigid, and they stick to things that reflect the land, which is New World-like. I feel the message that they make it the way they like. There are an increasing number of wine fans who like this kind of natural wine, so it may attract more attention in the future.
Cost performance category
It's cheap but very tasty, just like the low-budget yet incredibly funny "One Cut of the Dead."
Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Origin: Hawke's Bay Grape variety: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
There are so many good things about New Zealand wine, but one thing that's a bit off is that there aren't many good value wines compared to other countries. Most wineries in New Zealand are family-run, so they produce and sell small quantities. So it's inevitable that the prices are a little high.
However, there are wines that offer good value for money. That is the Private Bin series from Villa Maria, a major New Zealand winery that has won more awards than any other winery in New Zealand. Villa Maria produces wines made from varieties that are suited to the land in both the North Island and the South Island.
This Private Bin series is an entry, and this Bordeaux blend from Hawke's Bay, North Island, is particularly outstanding. In 2019, it was also available as a glass wine at Bokumo. Moderate richness and moderate acidity. Moderate cassis and moderate barrel aroma. Moderately meaty and has a moderate aftertaste. And above all, the suggested retail price is 2,000 yen. It's a moderate feeling that is hard to achieve with other NZ wines.
I'll put up a link to Rakuten.
→ [Rakuten Market] Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon for sale
Extra
Wine is good, but NZ gin is interesting too
Reid + Ried Barrel Aged Gin
2019 was another year in which craft gin was a hot topic, following on from last year. Domestic gins were released one after another, and unique gins from various countries began to be imported to Japan. Of course, New Zealand gins are also arriving in large numbers.
Craft gin is unique because it is scented with various plants. In other words, the best part is that the characteristics of the plants are directly expressed as they are. It is only natural that high-quality gin comes out of New Zealand, which is full of nature and original plants.
This gin uses New Zealand-style botanicals such as Kawakawa, Horopito, and Manuka (famous for honey). The aroma is a mix of cardamom, reminiscent of curry, and complex plant flavors.
And because the maker is a wine brewer, he puts the wine in a Pinot Noir barrel for three months to pursue even more complex flavors. Interesting!
So, I would like wine fans to try its unique flavor on the rocks or with soda. However, the problem is that it is a bit expensive (over 5,000 yen). If you want to try a glass casually, you can find it at Bokumo , so please feel free to try it (sorry for the advertisement after all).
So, next year I will continue to be grateful to be able to drink wine and look forward to exploring even more delicious and enjoyable New Zealand wines.
Nice to meet you!
