1. 1PublishedChâteau Moulin Haut-Laroque 2006Château Moulin-à-VentA wine with rich, natural earthy aromas and the gentle essence of deep-rooted old vines, served by Motoki to Shizuku and others on Bordeaux's right bank, akin to a windmill calmly turning in nature's rhythm, perfect with duck dishes.Winds of warmth from Bordeaux's right bankChâteau Moulin Haut-Laroque is a hidden gem from Bordeaux's right bank, particularly known for its reputation in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The 2006 vintage is especially noteworthy, showcasing a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This wine beautifully captures the rich soil and ancient vines of the region. In Volume 21 of 'Drops of God', this wine is introduced to Shizuku and his companions during their visit to Bordeaux's right bank. Moki, a former subordinate of Manager Kawaramou, shares this wine, describing it as having the calm presence of a windmill caressed by nature. It exudes earthy aromas and pairs excellently with duck dishes. The wine pours a deep ruby with a hint of brick at the rim, hinting at its maturity. The nose is open, revealing dense black cherry and cassis notes, interwoven with subtle cedar and moist earth nuances. On the palate, a rounded, smooth acidity unfolds, with tannins that are dense and silky. It has the robust structure typical of Bordeaux, with a long finish where complex aromas unfold continuously. To fully enjoy this wine, serve it around 16°C in a large glass. It's a bottle that lets you savor the charm of Bordeaux's right bank to the fullest.Read review→
2. 2PublishedChâteau La Fleur de Gay 2006Château La Croix de GayA special cuvée opened at Château La Croix de Gay visited by Shizuku and others, an extraordinary wine reminiscent of Bach's organ concertos.Indulge in its profound richnessChâteau La Fleur de Gay is a distinguished red wine from the Bordeaux region of France. Crafted by Château La Croix de Gay, it prominently features Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The 2006 vintage is particularly esteemed, known for its exceptional quality within the Bordeaux lineup. In Volume 21 of 'Drops of God', this wine is opened during a visit to Château La Croix de Gay. The characters describe the experience as akin to listening to a Bach organ concerto, evoking a sense of grandeur and complexity. When you pour it into your glass, you're greeted with a deep ruby hue, with a slight orange rim indicative of its aging. The aroma is rich with notes of black cherry and cassis, accompanied by subtle hints of forest floor and dried herbs. On the palate, it's full-bodied, with powerful tannins that assert themselves while a rounded acidity ties everything together. This wine is defined by its weighty and complex flavors, with an impressively long finish. Decanting it before serving can help unlock its full potential. I'd recommend enjoying it slowly in a large glass to truly appreciate its depth.Read review→
3. 3PublishedChâteau La Croix de Gay 2006Château La Croix de GayA wine opened at Château La Croix de Gay visited by Shizuku and others, light yet with a classical resonance.A melody of classical lightnessChâteau La Croix de Gay is a bit of a pride among Bordeaux wines. The 2006 vintage, in particular, is an exquisite blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, showcasing depth and personality. It truly lives up to the name of La Croix de Gay, embodying the tradition of Bordeaux. Every time you open this bottle, there's a new discovery waiting for you.Read review→
4. 4PublishedChâteau Bel-Air la Royère Blanc 2007Château Belair-MonangeA wine tasted at a château in Côtes de Blaye, pure and transparent with innocent kindness, like a girl admiring a bride walking down the aisle of a small church.A whisper of pure gentlenessChâteau Bel-Air la Royère Blanc is a white wine crafted entirely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes in the Bordeaux region. The 2007 vintage stands out, marking a year of exceptional quality. This wine embodies the French winemaking tradition, with every pop of the cork revealing its rich history and dedication. In the 21st volume of 'Drops of God', this wine is shared during a visit to a Château in the Côtes de Blaye. The scene captures the wine's essence, likening it to a young bride walking down a church aisle, pure and innocent, watched by an admiring girl. It beautifully underscores the wine's inherent purity and gentle nature. Pouring a glass reveals a pale golden hue that shimmers. The aroma is intensely fresh, bursting with notes of grapefruit and lime, accompanied by subtle hints of white flowers and herbs, adding layers of complexity. On the palate, a sharp acidity stands out, offering a juicy impression that feels alive. The finish is long, unveiling something new with each sip. Serve it chilled to enhance its freshness—it's a truly refreshing experience.Read review→
5. 5PublishedReignac Cuvée Spéciale 2001Château de ReignacA wine tasted with Yves Vatelot, owner of Château de Reignac, dressed like a tuxedo, waiting gently at a small church altar for the bride, made from vineyards similar to Château Margaux's terroir, rivaling grand vins.A toast fit for a graceful weddingYou know, when you hear Château de Reignac, you expect something special. This Cuvée Spéciale from 2001 is a Bordeaux red, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It's got a reputation that rivals grand vins, so it's the kind of bottle you'd want to open on a special occasion. This wine made an appearance in volume 21 of 'Drops of God'. Yves Vatelot, the owner, was shown smiling gently in front of a church altar, like a groom waiting for his bride. The elegance of Bordeaux's terroir really evokes that image. In the glass, it's a deep garnet with a slight orange hue at the rim. On the nose, you get ripe cassis and black cherry aromas, with hints of dried herbs and old wood. When you taste it, there's a rich fruitiness and a smooth acidity. The tannins are dense, and the finish lingers long. It's not just any Bordeaux, it's something special.Read review→
6. 6PublishedChâteau Reynon Sauvignon Blanc 2007Château ReynonA white wine presented by Manager Nakahara at the duel, with balanced acidity and unobtrusive oak aroma, offering a refreshing sensation like a white horse galloping across a meadow.A refreshing gallop across the meadowThe Château Reynon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is a standout in the Bordeaux region, which is renowned for its reds, but don't let that fool you. This wine is made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, offering a refreshing and elegant expression of what white Bordeaux can be. Crafted with traditional methods and a touch of modern flair, it's a bottle you want to open. In volume 21, it was chosen by Nakahara, the director of the restaurant division, in a white wine showdown. He described it as having a well-balanced acidity and a subtle oak aroma that never overpowers. It's like the exhilarating feeling of a white horse galloping across a meadow. The scene highlighted its lightness and strength, making it a memorable pick. Pour it into a glass, and you'll see a beautiful pale lemon color. The nose opens with citrus aromas like lime and grapefruit, interwoven with the delicate scents of white flowers and herbs. The acidity is lively, offering a fresh impression that dances on the palate. That zingy acidity spreads smoothly, complemented by a soft minerality that speaks of its terroir. The finish is moderately long, with a lingering fruitiness that's truly pleasant. Overall, it's a well-balanced white wine that fits any occasion. Serve it chilled alongside light salads or seafood, and you're in for a treat.Read review→
7. 7PublishedCono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007Cono SurA red wine presented by Manager Nakahara at the duel, a Chilean Cabernet harvested by hand and aged in French oak barrels, offering remarkable value for its quality at a low price.A miracle for under $20, crafted with handpicked passion.So, here's the Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva for you. It's from Chile, and you know, they handpick the grapes and age the wine in French oak barrels. Can you believe it's available for just under $20? The value is truly astounding. In volume 21 of 'Drops of God', Nakahara, the manager of the restaurant division, chose this wine for a decisive showdown. It's no wonder it was picked for such a moment. The passion in handpicking and the influence of fine oak barrels give it an indescribable depth. The wine pours a deep garnet, and when you tilt your glass, you can see the beautiful deep red hues. The aroma is open and rich with cassis and black cherry, mingling with a hint of cedar and earthiness. On the palate, it offers a soft fruitiness balanced by lively acidity, with velvety tannins. The body is robust, yet the mouthfeel remains smooth, and the finish is long and satisfying. This wine leaves a strong, full-bodied impression, with a complexity that truly stands out. Decant it and let it breathe a bit to fully enjoy its profound charm.Read review→
8. 8PublishedQuinta do Carmo Reserva 2005Quinta do CarmoA red wine presented by Manager Nakahara at the duel, offering the thrill of drinking a 'Lafite' wine at around 5000 yen, a hidden brand with the world of Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette's beloved palace, like an English garden.A hidden gem with Lafite's touchQuinta do Carmo Reserva is a red wine crafted by the prestigious Quinta do Carmo in Portugal. The 2005 vintage is particularly noteworthy as it carries the influence of Lafite's winemaking expertise. It's a bottle that offers a taste of that finesse at a rather accessible price point. You really should give this one a try! In Volume 21 of 'Drops of God', this wine makes an appearance when Director Nakahara from the restaurant division brings it to a showdown. He chose it because it embodies the craftsmanship of Lafite, yet is priced around 5,000 yen. It's described as evoking the elegance of Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon—a wine with a world akin to an English garden. Pour a glass and you'll notice a deep ruby red hue. The nose is rich with black cherry and dried plum, accompanied by complex notes of tea and dried herbs from its aging. On the palate, it's powerful with velvety tannins and rounded, abundant acidity. The taste is full-bodied and well-structured, spreading generously across the palate. The finish is long, leaving an elegant impression lingering in the mouth. Decanting it a bit beforehand enhances the aromas beautifully, making the experience even more delightful.Read review→
9. 9PublishedChâteau Le Puy 2003Château Le PuyA red wine presented by Manager Kawaramou at the duel, from Château Le Puy, a 400-year-old natural wine, described as a chronicle, a silent record of human and heavenly blessings on earth, featured as the final wine in the drama version of Drops of God.Taste the silent chronicleChâteau Le Puy is a remarkable estate from Bordeaux, known for its 400-year legacy of crafting natural wines without additives or chemicals. This wine, a blend predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, reflects the timeless traditions and the bounty of the land, cherished across generations. In Volume 21 of 'Drops of God,' this wine was chosen by Kawarage for a tasting showdown. Described as a 'chronicle,' it was portrayed as a wine that embodies the history inscribed by humanity and nature, offering a profound experience. The color is a deep garnet with a hint of brick at the rim, indicating its maturity. Aromatically, it's impressive with rich notes of black cherry and cassis, intertwined with dried herbs and tea leaves, adding layers of complexity. On the palate, the tannins are well-integrated and silky, with a robust yet rounded acidity. The body is full, with a richness of fruit that is beautifully balanced. The finish is long, revealing new aspects with each sip. Serving it around 16-18°C is ideal, and allowing it to breathe through decanting will further enhance its aromatic presence.Read review→
10. 10PublishedChablis Grand Cru La Moutonne 2005Domaine Long-DepaquitA wine given to the troubled swimmer Shiomi by Fujieda, known as the Romanée-Conti of Chablis, transforming into a mermaid with seafood dishes.The seaside gem of ChardonnayLet's open the Domaine Long-Depaquit's Chablis Grand Cru La Moutonne from the 2005 vintage. This one's 100% Chardonnay, but it's not your typical Chablis, you know. La Moutonne is something special in the world of Chablis, often called the Romanée-Conti of Chablis. Grown in Burgundy, it truly shines when paired with seafood, bringing out its full potential.Read review→
11. 11PublishedTermanthia 2002NumanthiaThe macho wine that sparked a fight between Shizuku and Miyabi, transforming into a wonderful wine when opened, with sweet vanilla aroma, spicy herbs, and jam-like black fruit, like earth sprouting green leaves after snowmelt.Unleash it for a storm of emotionTermanthia from Numanthia is a powerful Spanish red wine. The 2002 vintage, in particular, reflects the unique conditions of that year. Numanthia is known for producing rich and well-balanced wines using grapes that have been nurtured in harsh natural environments. In Volume 21 of "Drops of God," this wine becomes the catalyst for a quarrel between Shizuku and Miyabi. Initially, it presents a macho impression, but once it's opened, the wine transforms dramatically. It releases a sweet vanilla aroma, reminiscent of being on a hill blooming with gardenias. The aroma is filled with spicy herbs and offers a jam-like richness, as if savoring ripe black fruits. When you pour it into a glass, you'll notice its deep garnet hue and sturdy legs. The initial aroma is open, intertwining vanilla, black fruits, and spices into a complex and rich bouquet. On the palate, it bursts with lush fruit, the acidity is robust, and the tannins are dense and firm. The finish is long, revealing new nuances with each sip. Overall, Termanthia is a wine of great maturity and concentrated power. It's best enjoyed with time, allowing its full potential to unfold. Give it a try and see how it captivates you!Read review→
12. 12PublishedFrog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1999Frog's LeapA wine given by Robert to Hasakawa at Shizuku's reunion, made by a young man enchanted by wine during a student job, trained at California's famous 'Stag's Leap', who sold his bike to turn a frog farm into a vineyard.A sip of Californian dreamsFrog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley really captures the essence of Californian richness. This 1999 vintage primarily uses Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Merlot added to create a depth of flavor and a well-balanced elegance. The winemaker, who trained at Stag's Leap, poured his passion into crafting this wine. In 'Drops of God' Volume 21, this wine appears during a reunion where Robert offers it to Shizuku, who is preoccupied with work. It's a testament to a young man's journey from being captivated by wine in Southern California to transforming a frog farm into a vineyard. Knowing this backstory adds a special layer to the tasting experience. The color is a deep garnet, nearing a brick hue. The aroma is open, with strong notes of ripe cassis and black cherry, accompanied by hints of dried herbs and a subtle spice, making it quite complex. On the palate, it bursts with rich fruitiness, with lively acidity and dense, structured tannins. The finish is long, leaving an elegant impression. To fully enjoy this wine, try it in a large glass after it warms up a bit. This way, the aromas will be more pronounced, and you'll get to appreciate the depth of flavors even more.Read review→