Domaine Takahiko
Yoichi-Nobori Passetoutgrain Aihara Pinot Noir Gamay
Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan
Takahiko Soga Yoichi Nobori 2015
Domaine Takahiko has two main product lines:
- Nana-tsu-mori: Made from estate-grown Pinot Noir.
- Yoichi-Nobori: Sourced from purchased grapes, usually blends.
This Passetoutgrain is a Pinot Noir and Gamay blend (they also have another cuvée, Ô Lie- a Pinot Noir and Zweigelt blend—which I haven’t tried yet).
My Experience with Nana-tsu-mori
I’ve tried two vintages, both underwhelming:
- 2021: Opened with a distinct animalic/funky note(like barnyard), not the cleanest, but the flavors were interesting—red fruit and a chilly, austere vibe.
- 2018(bought in Japan): Watery and collapsed, with no structure. No idea what went wrong.
Yoichi-Nobori 2015 – A Better Experience
- Aromas: Fragrant at opening, though the bouquet faded after ~2 hours.
- Appearance: Classic natural wine hue, similar to Domaine Prieuré Roch.
- Palate:
- No wateriness(a big plus!).
- Rich fruit, well-structured and layered-like sour plum soup with a hint of licorice and mint.
- A touch of greenness, followed by umami on the finish.
- Acidity:Moderate, well-integrated.
Final Thoughts
This domaine’s wines are hit-or-miss, wildly inconsistent. Given their secondary market prices(which rival grand cru Burgundy), they’re only worth buying at allocation prices.
Takahiko Soga Yoichi Nobori 2015
Domaine Takahiko has two main product lines:
- Nana-tsu-mori: Made from estate-grown Pinot Noir.
- Yoichi-Nobori: Sourced from purchased grapes, usually blends.
This Passetoutgrain is a Pinot Noir and Gamay blend (they also have another cuvée, Ô Lie- a Pinot Noir and Zweigelt blend—which I haven’t tried yet).
My Experience with Nana-tsu-mori
I’ve tried two vintages, both underwhelming:
- 2021: Opened with a distinct animalic/funky note(like barnyard), not the cleanest, but the flavors were interesting—red fruit and a chilly, austere vibe.
- 2018(bought in Japan): Watery and collapsed, with no structure. No idea what went wrong.
Yoichi-Nobori 2015 – A Better Experience
- Aromas: Fragrant at opening, though the bouquet faded after ~2 hours.
- Appearance: Classic natural wine hue, similar to Domaine Prieuré Roch.
- Palate:
- No wateriness(a big plus!).
- Rich fruit, well-structured and layered-like sour plum soup with a hint of licorice and mint.
- A touch of greenness, followed by umami on the finish.
- Acidity:Moderate, well-integrated.
Final Thoughts
This domaine’s wines are hit-or-miss, wildly inconsistent. Given their secondary market prices(which rival grand cru Burgundy), they’re only worth buying at allocation prices.