Yoichi, in 2023, experienced the hottest year ever recorded, with a cumulative temperature of 1590, even exceeding the total average temperature in Burgundy. The year was blessed by low rainfall and an abundant sunshine, from bonouring to veraison, and vineyards were well pushed. However, the harvest began earlier than expected due to a rapid drop in the acidity and serious damage caused by birds. The fermentation environment in the cellar has also been strongly affected by global warming, which has changed the ecological balance of wild microorganisms, making it difficult to ferment with wild yeasts, which is the specialty of the estate. That's why, from 2024, the domain started equipping the air conditioner cellar and building an underground cellar for aging in barrels.
The Takahiko domain has a vineyard of 6.7 hectares called Nanatsumori. Vinified wines from the grapes of this vineyard are known as "Nana-Tsu-Mori". In 2023, however, all were downgraded and marketed under the name "Yoichi-Nobori-n PassportGrain", instead of "Nana-Tsu-Mori". Its lively acidity requires a longer aging than normal to round off. Like sulphite, which had not been added for several years, has been added, it is better to wait until about 2030 before opening this wine.
The Zweigelt, a represented red grape variety of Yoichi, has a powerful structure and a rich and sumptuous fruity, such as Gamay. This wine has been developed like the Pastougrand of Burgundy, consisting mainly of Gamay and Pinot Noir. The ZweEgelt comes from grapes grown by "Mikino Hotori" in the Nobori district in Yoichi. The label does not mention the Takahiko domain, but only Takahiko Soga, because this wine is not 100% from the domain's own grapes.
For this weapon, the aroma of plums and prunes is more pronounced than usual, followed by spicy notes such as cumin and cinnamon, then black fruits in the background. Overall, the aromatic volume is very rich in this vintage. It also has a characteristic acidity that distinguishes it from previous Nanatsumori wines. The dress is firm and, among the fruity aromas, we find notes of violet and other flowers and herbs, as well as notes of dead leaves and mushrooms Matsutake. The final is very long and pleasant, accompanied by Umami. Notes: Firm color of wine, well balanced with tannins and spices from alcohol.
Aroma of Violette, dead leaves and mushrooms. The fruity and three-dimensional aroma of the forest are structured by a persistent aftertaste of Umami. The grapes of this vintage have an acidity suggesting a long maturation.
Wine estate: Domaine Takahiko Soga
Location: 1395 Noboricho, Yoichigun Yoichicho, Hokkaido
