Suntory Limited entered their Kikyogahara Merlot, 2002 (Special Edition) produced by their Shiojiri Winery in the 53rd International Wine Competition in Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia, in May 2007, and was awarded a Gold Medal.

The same winery's Kikyogahara Merlot received a Gold Medal for their 2001 vintage at the 50th Competition, making it back-to-back vintages to win the award at Ljubljana.

More recently in the Shiojiri Winery's 70-odd year history, they have worked closely with passionate contracted growers in Nagano Prefecture to produce wine made entirely with locally grown grapes and, as a result, have received strong reviews at wine competitions in Japan and abroad.

Under the concept of localized production, Suntory is producing wine with locally grown grapes, not only at the Shiojiri Winery but also at their Tomi-no-oka Winery (Yamanashi Prefecture) and Iwanohara Vineyard (Niigata Prefecture). In addition to their Kikyogahara Merlot, 2002, their Tomi, 2004 (red) from the Tomi-no-oka Winery was awarded a Silver Medal at Ljubljana.

Characteristics of Kikyogahara Merlot, 2002

A strong body blends harmoniously with a spicy rich flavor of pressed fruit, to produce a strong smooth taste.

Characteristics of Tomi, 2004 (red)

A strong body characteristic of pressed fruit is finished with a luxuriously delicate intricate taste with aromatic hints of graceful flowers, ripe black berries and aging casks.

Overview of competition and awards

Competition	53rd International Wine Competition in Ljubljana
Hosting country	Republic of Slovenia
Judging and results	Judging: May 28, 2007, Results announced: May 31
Number of entries	557 (From 24 countries)

Awarded wines

Kikyogahara Merlot, 2002 (Special Edition), Shiojiri Winery

720 ml8,000 yen (Planned)*Gold Medal

Tomi, 2004 (red), Tomi-no-oka Winery

720 ml12,000 yen (Planned)*Silver Medal

• *Launch is scheduled for this coming fall, therefore price is subject to change.