Norman Gennaro

9.2

Daishichi Raden 2011 Kimoto Junmai Ginjo. Would not have guessed it’s been aged for 12 years and then realistically aged another 2 years before I got it. Rich, soft, bordering on sweet. I would say it matches the other Kimoto styles I’ve had with great flavor and stronger rice flavors for me. I’d assume the lack of acid is due to the age than the style. 2011 vintage with 12 years of aging. Sake Meter Value:
+3
Alcohol : 15%
Acidity : 1.5
Rice Variety : Gohyakumangoku
Rice polishing ratio 58% (super flat polished rice)
Yeast type Daishichi Yeast
Ingredients/raw materials Rice (domestic)/Rice malt (domestic)
Toji(Brew Master) Takanobu Sato (Nambu chief brewer/modern master craftsman) — 5 months ago

Paul T HB

9.8

Thats some great juice @Benoit Touquette wine.👍🏼
Winery notes

STORY

Benoit Touquette has continued to serve as winemaker since 2006.

The first vines the family planted were one acre of Bosche clone Cabernet Sauvignon grafted to budwood provided by Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards. The first few vintages were also made at Grace Family Vineyards, until the winery on the estate was completed, with Andy Erickson as winemaker. The winery's first release was an estate Cabernet Sauvignon in 1990, which sold out immediately, and with subsequent vintages, Hartwell established a reputation for fine Cabernet Sauvignon.

Over the years, other parcels of the property were planted, allowing the winery to produce other Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as Merlot, a red dessert wine, and a red wine blend. In 2006, the Hartwells purchased a 4.5-acre vineyard in Carneros from which they produce a Bordeaux-inspired Sauvignon Blanc, and brought acclaimed winemaker Benoit Touquette on board to oversee production.


Hartwell Vineyards was founded in 1986 when Bob Hartwell purchased 90 acres of Wappo Hill—the half of Wappo Hill not owned by Robert Mondavi—in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley.

The fruit for the T5 Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the highest point on the Hartwell estate, blocks 14 and 15, which were planted to Bosche clone 30 years ago. The 100% Cabernet wine ages for two years in T5 barriques, rare and prized barrels from famed French cooperage house, Taransaud. These barrels are toasted and crafted from five-year seasoned staves by coopers who have been awarded the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (Best Craftsman in France). Much like some of the finest wines, they are available only to a select list of customers due to their limited availability.

Each year, a mere 100 cases of Hartwell T5 are produced, available only by allocation to members of the T5 Cabernet Sauvignon wine club. — 4 years ago

Samantha Hargrove

9.0

Still loving this Pinot Noir! It’s smooth, elegant and the juicy ripe berries make it bright and easy to drink. — 3 years ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.5

MacLaren Greywacke Vineyard Syrah 2017
Full bodied plum, sharp berries,and herb/spice swirl. Steve Law is master syrah wine craftsman. — 3 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

8.9

Stephane Augier, great craftsman of the Côte-Rotie, delivers here a wine with undeniable value for money. Balanced Grenache Syrah blend. The finish is superb for this price — 4 years ago

Alan McLeod

9.0

Great on a a summer day with oce — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Artesa (ahr TESS uh) means "craftsman" and connotes "handcrafted" in Catalan, language of Barcelona and their owner, Codorníu, one of the world's largest and oldest wineries. Ruby with rich berry fruit, citrus and floral spice. On the palate, strawberry and cherry, tangy, with cola and cedar notes adding earthy tones. Bright acidity, soft expressive tannins, long finish ending with mineral and cedar spice. Very nice, drink now & over next 5 years. — 3 years ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.3

This natural wine master craftsman is not to be denied. Young berries and cherries, effervescent, a bit stringent, savory, crisp, opens wonderfully with each additional taste. — 3 years ago

Gary Hypes

9.5

Really hits my taste buds. I had the 2017 Craftsman Collection. Just like my favorite Zins. Going to be a new Go To wine. — 5 years ago

Greg Fedorinchik

9.3

A friend from Wisconsin gave me a bottle and raved about this bourbon. 5 years of aging didn’t get me super excited.... but I opened the bottle and was very pleasantly surprised. This is a true family farm to table bourbon made by a thoughtful craftsman. The unique corn and natural touches give this bourbon a refined balance well beyond its years. Caramel and pepper with a nice heat. Smoother than it should be. 92 proof. — 7 years ago