1. 1PublishedThe Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2006d'ArenbergA wine that Shizuku and Miyabi drank at an Australian bar, spicy and bursting with energy, exotic yet popular, like a festive folk dance encountered in a foreign land.A burst of exotic dance in your glassThe Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier is a delightful creation by d'Arenberg, a winery known for its distinctive Australian wines. This blend combines the spicy depth of Shiraz with the aromatic lift of Viognier. The 2006 vintage stands out for its powerful and fruit-forward character, making it a memorable choice for any occasion. In volume 23 of 'Drops of God,' this wine makes a memorable appearance when Shizuku and Miyabi enjoy it at an Australian bar. They are captivated by its vibrant and exotic nature, much like a lively folk dance encountered at a foreign festival. It's a wine that embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery. Pouring it into the glass reveals a deep ruby hue with high viscosity, leaving elegant legs. The nose bursts with rich cassis and blackberry notes, intertwined with a hint of black pepper spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush, with a robust yet smooth acidity. The tannins are dense and well-structured, providing a solid backbone. The finish is long, with the spice and fruit in perfect harmony. Overall, it’s a bold and complex wine with plenty of character. Decanting before serving can enhance its alluring qualities even further.Read review→
2. 2PublishedChâteau Lafite Rothschild 1945Château Lafite RothschildA wine that Yutaka Kanzaki once served to Aussie Jack.Elegance beyond timeChâteau Lafite Rothschild's 1945 vintage is one of those iconic Bordeaux wines that you just have to try, you know? Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Pauillac region, it's famed for its grace and complexity, especially post-war France. This bottle has aged beautifully, and now's the perfect moment to experience its full potential. In Volume 23 of 'Drops of God', there's this scene where Toyotaka serves it to Aussie Jack. The moment Jack tastes it, he's struck by its profound depth. A wine that transcends time and touches the soul is what this one's all about. When you pour it into a glass, you see the brick-red hue at the rim. The aroma is open, with notes of tea, sous-bois, and dried herbs wafting up. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture, with dense tannins melting on your tongue. The acidity is smooth, giving the wine a gentle overall impression. The finish is long, highlighting both the fruitiness and its intricate complexity. Get the most out of this wine by serving it slightly chilled after decanting in a large glass. It really brings out the depth in the wine, making it even more special.Read review→
3. 3PublishedTorbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2005TorbreckA wine that Manager Kawaramou served to Shizuku.A dance of power and complexityTorbreck's Woodcutter's Shiraz from 2005 is a standout example of what Australian Shiraz can offer. Known for their prowess in the Barossa Valley, Torbreck crafts this entry-level cuvée with a focus on bold flavors and depth. The moment you open it, you'll notice its intense color and aroma beckoning you to dive in. This wine makes an appearance in Volume 23 of 'Drops of God', where Kawaragi presents it to Shizuku. In that scene, the wine's robust character and Kawaragi's passion intertwine beautifully, capturing Shizuku's surprise as he tastes its rich flavors. In terms of tasting, the wine greets you with a deep garnet hue and noticeable legs that cling to the glass. The aroma is open and inviting, with ripe blackberry, cassis, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it delivers a powerful fruitiness, supported by firm acidity. The tannins are dense, gradually integrating over time. The finish is long, with lingering spicy notes. This wine is perfect when you're in the mood for something with substantial body and complexity. A bit of decanting before serving can bring out even more of its allure.Read review→
4. 4PublishedExile 2004Colonial EstateA wine that Honoka Toomine drank while on the phone with Robert, like a sweet dream seen on a pitch-black night outside the window.A sweet dream in the blackness of nightExile is a red wine crafted by Colonial Estate in Australia, with its 2004 vintage showcasing a refined style and unique flavors that captivate those who taste it. When you think of Australian wines, you might imagine something more casual, but Exile stands out as a special bottle among them. In 'Drops of God' Volume 23, this wine makes its appearance when Honoka Toomine enjoys it while on the phone with Robert. She describes it as reminiscent of a sweet dream on a pitch-black night outside her window. Truly, it's a wine that evokes a sense of fantasy and mystery. Pouring it into the glass reveals a deep garnet color, a testament to its extended aging. The aroma is rich with black cherry and dried plum, enveloped by hints of spice and subtle chocolate notes. On the palate, it offers lush fruitiness, with smooth acidity and velvety tannins. It all comes together in a perfectly balanced way. The finish is long, with complex flavors lingering on the palate. I'd recommend decanting it a bit before enjoying, and serving it at around 16 degrees Celsius. Let it breathe, and you'll experience its full potential.Read review→
5. 5PublishedSine Qua Non The Inaugural Eleven Confessions Syrah 2003Sine Qua NonIssei brought the Seventh Apostle, Sagrada Familia. A gathering of young forces towards a great dream that cannot be achieved alone. The lone lion first learns the meaning of gathering. Companions walking together.A Syrah that dreams with youSine Qua Non's "The Inaugural Eleven Confessions Syrah" is one of those unique Californian reds that you just have to try. Known for their avant-garde approach, Sine Qua Non crafts wines with passion and limited production. The 2003 vintage stands out with its rich Syrah profiles that are hard to forget. In the 23rd volume of 'Drops of God', this wine makes its appearance as the Seventh Apostle, brought by Issei. It's likened to the Sagrada Familia, representing the power of a collective dream that can't be achieved alone. "The gathering of young strength towards a great dream"—that's what this bottle embodies. You can feel that power when you have it in your hands. The wine is deep garnet in color, and when you tilt the glass, you notice its lovely viscosity. The bouquet is simply amazing—bursting with blackberry and cassis aromas, accompanied by a subtle hint of black pepper, creating a symphony of scents. On the palate, you first encounter a lushness of fruit. The acidity is robust, and the tannins are velvety, giving an overall impression of richness. The finish is long, leaving a lasting memory with each sip. It's the kind of experience you'd want to share with friends. A bit of decanting before serving would do wonders to open it up even more.Read review→
6. 6PublishedGlaetzer Amon-Ra Shiraz 2003Ben GlaetzerShizuku brought a candidate wine for the Seventh Apostle, Angkor Wat. A wine of "discovery."A taste of discovery in every bottle.Glaetzer's Amon-Ra Shiraz is something special among Australian Shiraz wines. This vintage, especially from 2003, shows the depth and power you'd expect, and it's beautifully aged, ready to be enjoyed now. In 'Drops of God' Volume 23, this wine appears as a candidate for the Seventh Apostle, brought by Shizuku. It's the 'discovery' wine at Angkor Wat, carrying a unique significance. You can see why Shizuku chose it—it's got that deep aroma and complex taste. Pour it into a glass, and you'll see a deep garnet hue. The aroma is open, with blackberry and cassis, plus a hint of black pepper spice teasing your nose. When you take a sip, rich fruit flavors unfold, and the acidity is lively. The tannins are silky, giving a smooth mouthfeel. The finish is long, leaving that taste lingering. To enjoy this wine fully, use a large glass to really capture its aromas. Decanting it could bring out even more of its potential. It's a wine to savor and enjoy during special moments.Read review→
7. 7PublishedCristal NVLouis RoedererKawaramou's treasured wine, spilled to settle a dispute.The pinnacle of elegance captured in a sparkling momentCristal, crafted by Louis Roederer in France’s Champagne region, is the epitome of luxury in a bottle. Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, it’s a champagne that speaks of opulence and sophistication. You’d want to pop this open for those unforgettable moments or when you’re out to impress. In Volume 23 of 'Drops of God', Cristal makes its appearance as Kawaramou Manager's treasured wine. When it was spilled to pacify a heated argument, the atmosphere shifted entirely. That scene truly captures Cristal's power to change the mood with its elegance and finesse. Pour a glass and you'll see fine bubbles rising like tiny jewels. The aroma is bright, filled with hints of toasted brioche and ripe apples, inviting you in. On the palate, it’s sharp and vibrant, with flavors that dance around with a subtle fruitiness. The finish is long and complex, making you want to savor every drop. To enjoy this champagne, serve it well-chilled in a small flute. It’s the kind of bottle that turns any day into a special occasion, leaving you with memories you’ll cherish.Read review→
8. 8PublishedComtes de Champagne Rosé NVTaittingerA wine given to Shizuku by Honoka Toomine, made entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, considered the pinnacle of rosé champagne. Noble, elegant, yet pure. Its vibrant aroma is lively but never overwhelming, like Georges Seurat's pointillism painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte."The pinnacle of elegance and purityThe Comtes de Champagne Rosé by Taittinger is one of those special bottles you can't forget. Crafted in the prestigious Champagne region, it uses only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards. This rosé is celebrated for its elegance and vibrant character, making it a true masterpiece in a glass. In Volume 23 of 'Drops of God', Honoka Tomine introduces this wine to Shizuku. She describes it like the pointillism of Georges Seurat's 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte'. It's noble, pure, yet never overwhelming, capturing the serene essence of a leisurely afternoon. Pour it into your glass, and you'll see a beautiful pale pink color with fine bubbles rising gracefully. The aroma is open and inviting, with ripe raspberries and red berries leading the way. There's a floral undertone that adds a dance of joy to your senses. Upon tasting, the lively acidity is the first thing you'll notice, followed by a robust fruitiness that's perfectly balanced. The finish is long, with a pleasant fruitiness that lingers. It's an elegant and complex rosé Champagne, perfect for special occasions. Serve it chilled in a small glass to fully enjoy its charm.Read review→