No.8635   2004. 1. 13

Suntory to release new wines from world’s greatest chateau:
“hateau Lafite-Rothschild”
— “Barons de Rothschild SAGA R Bordeaux”, “Médoc Réerve Spéiale”
and “Pauillac Réerve Spéiale” —

Suntory Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, President: Nobutada Saji) is to release new wine collections from world’s greatest chateau, “Chateau Lafite-Rothschild”, owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). The collections are “Barons de Rothschild SAGA R Bordeaux (red) / (white)”, “Médoc Réserve Spéciale” and “Pauillac Réserve Spéciale” and will be released starting from the 10th of February, 2004, all over Japan.

“Chateau Lafite-Rothschild” has a worldwide reputation for high quality, and it was first graded on atop of list, formally classified in Médoc, Bordeaux in 1855.

Suntory and “Chateau Lafite-Rothschild” have been involved in business alliance since 1985, to pursue mutual cooperation in grapevine growing technique, wine making technique, marketing activities, sales activities, and exchanging wine culture. This enabled Suntory to become Lafite’s affiliated wines’ main distributor in Japan. Lafite group has been developing wines, starting with France, Chile, Portugal, and Argentina, and through this transaction, Suntory is now able to distribute for more than 20 items of the Lafite’s owned wines.

Suntory’s wine business is aiming to lead the market for the year of 2004, by appealing fascination of wine itself to offer valuable wines to customers. We will especially develop and strengthen actively on brand portfolios.

“Barons de Rothschild SAGA R Bordeaux”(Grade:Bordeaux AC)

“Barons de Rothschild SAGA R Bordeaux” is a new collection from Latife group, holding the concept of “Bordeaux for new generation” which has just been released in France as well.
As for the naming , it suggests Lafite’s confidence of the their status as long established winery, such as that “SAGA” means “Legend” in French and “R” stands for the initial letter of “Rothschild”, together to give the meaning as “The Legend of the Rothschild” Moreover, the family’s crest (5 arrows) labeled is magnificently imposing.

Barons de Rothschild SAGA R Bordeaux red wine is made from carefully selected grapes starting with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It then is let matured for approximately 6 months in using both stainless tank and French oak barrel, to keep fruity taste and body balanced.

“Barons de Rothschild Médoc Réserve Spéciale”(Grade:Médoc AC)

The wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to give dynamic and sensitive Médoc’s tasted red wine.

“Barons de Rothschild Pauillac Réserve Spéciale”(Grade:Pauillac AC)

The wine is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc. The wine morte used are from Chateau Lafite and Duhart-Milon, which are all owned by Lafite groups, in Pauillac village, and it is the hallmark of Lafite’s style with reasonable price.

Château Lafite-Rothschild

In 1855, Napoleon the third assigned to constitute formal chateau classification for Médoc Bordeaux. There were 4 chateaus which were selected at the same time as Grand Cru first grade, and Lafite was graced in honor to be graded atop of the list among the lot. Rothschild family is still reigning the crest in wine industry, and sustaining its quality and reputation for up to 150 years, because of their generous investment.

Barons de Rothschild SAGA R Bordeaux white wine is made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, and it possesses a taste of Semillon’s original full bodied and poised characteristics.

— Outline of product information —

• Name of product, types, volume,/packaging and suggested retail price

• Release date and sales region
10th of February , 2004 Japan nation wide

Enquiry of the information, please contact to:
Suntory Customer Center Toll free number: 0120-0139-310
(Osaka) Dojimahama 2-1-40, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-8203, Japan
(Tokyo) Moto-Akasaka 1-2-3, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8430, Japan
Wine website: http://e-wine.suntory.co.jp/