2022 Grace Wine Koshu Toriibira Vineyard Private Reserve, Japan

This is an old oak-fermented and tank-aged Koshu with an ambition to age. Located 450 metres above the sea, the southwest-facing Toriibira vineyard features slate and gravel soils. A riper expression on the nose featuring yellow peach and ripe apricot, seasoned with a hint of sweet spices. The palate is surprisingly linear and intense. Lime juice and razor-sharp acidity drives the limpid palate with force, it carries a saline touch of tannin towards a heartwarming finish of honeysuckle and ripe melon. Would be interesting to try this wine in five or even ten years.

94 points Slyvia Wu decanter.com

The Toriibira district is greatly treasured by the fourth generation owner, Shigekazu Misawa. It has a long history, is located at an altitude of 450m, and is revered by local people due to its well-drained gravelly soil, resulting in high quality grapes. The harvested grapes went through further selection and the best lots were fermented in old French oak barrels and further matured in stainless steel tanks. The wine possesses both elegant acidity and complexity with a long finish.

Grace Koshu Toriibira Vineyard Private Reserve from Japan is a premium expression of the Koshu grape, crafted by Grace Winery in Yamanashi Prefecture. The Toriibira Vineyard, nestled at 450 meters altitude, benefits from well-drained gravelly soils and optimal sun exposure, providing a unique terroir that enhances Koshu’s refined acidity and mineral depth. Grace Winery’s commitment to elevating Koshu, Japan’s native grape, shines through in this Private Reserve, which represents the elegance and complexity of Japanese viticulture.

Winemaking at Grace involves hand-harvesting and careful selection of Koshu grapes, with fermentation in seasoned French oak barrels. This process adds subtle structure without overwhelming the grape’s delicate fruit character, followed by aging in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrancy.

Grace Koshu Toriibira Vineyard Private Reserve reveals delicate aromas of apple, peach, and pear, along with spicy notes of clove and a touch of toastiness. The palate is balanced and mellow, with flavors of yellow fruit and a bright acidity that carries through to an elegant finish. This Private Reserve Koshu offers a sophisticated taste of Japanese terroir, perfect for pairing with seafood, light poultry, and Japanese cuisine.