Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery

Koshu Reserve Oak Aged 2007

100% Koshu, grown and fully ripened at our own vineyard. The grapes were late-harvested to maximize natural fruitiness. To enhance the dense aroma and flavor of Koshu, freshly pressed juice was frozen and the ice removed, and this condensed juice was blended into the wine. The wine is thoroughly and delicately tuned through slow, low-temperature fermentation in French Troncais oak barrels and batonnage during sur lie aging. Indigenous to Japan, the Koshu variety grape delivers a taste that is only found in Japan.

[Vintage Notes]

A prolonged period of cold weather delayed budbreak and bloom for about a week. During the rainy month of July, we carefully thinned foliage around fruit clusters to ensure the fruit received enough sunshine. Sunny days arrived in late July and lasted through August, with some record-breaking heat spikes. The Koshu vériety was at veraison* at around August 20. In September, we were blessed with sunshine and eight days of temperatures in excess of 30℃, although rainfall was 1.3 times higher than average (257 mm). We harvested the grapes on October 30, when the fruit was at full ripeness. The 2007 Koshu variety is distinctively fragrant and well balanced.
*Véraison: Color change of the unripe grape berries

[Tasting notes]

Dense, blossoming aromas of citrus fruits are well balanced with a hint of vanilla and roast fragrance from barrel aging. Although dry on the palate, this wine embodies the distinctive fruitiness of late-harvested grapes. Smooth in mouth and rich in taste.

[Awards]

2009 Challenge International du Vin, Bronze Medal (Koshu Reserve Oak Aged 2006)

2008 Challenge International du Vin, Silver Medal (Koshu Reserve Oak Aged 2005)

2007 Challenge International du Vin, Gold Medal (Koshu Reserve Oak Aged 2004)

---Grapes---

Vineyard:

100% Koshu (100% grown in our own vineyard)

---Winemaking---

Bottle size:

720 ml