Why the world took notice.
Founded in London in 1975, Decanter is one of the most influential wine magazines in the world. Its Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is among the largest international wine competitions on earth, with more than 18,000 wines entered each year.
Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and other leading experts judge every wine blind on a 100-point scale. A score above 90 is reserved for a select few. The 91 points awarded to PAULOWNIA 2015 place it alongside the most celebrated wines in the world.
Masakatsu Yatabe — STELLA · EDITION Toranomon
A samurai, still fighting his way forward in Napa — a premium wine crafted by Japanese winemaker Yasu Hayashi. The flagship "PAULOWNIA," and a second label, "BONNE ODEUR" — finished wines endorsed by Philippe Bascaules of Château Margaux himself.
Annual production is a mere 150 cases (roughly 12 bottles per case) — rare wines made with real passion. Since 2022 he has moved to the cooler Oak Knoll in Napa, giving the wine a more refined, stylish body.
Hayashi says, "I want to express, just as it is, the goodness the grapes bring from the vineyard." Guided by that philosophy, he engages with the terroir, drawing out the character of the grapes to the fullest without over-handling them — creating premium wines with a delicate Japanese sensibility. He is one of Napa's winemakers to watch.
矢田部 匡且 Masakatsu Yatabe
Napa Valley Ambassador / CWO STELLA · EDITION Toranomon
"We mainly pour Paulownia 'Bonne Odeur' Cabernet Sauvignon 2023. Within its Napa-like warmth, dark-fruit nuances come through clearly, with a striking, elegant finish. We serve it mainly alongside venison-based dishes. Its gently integrated tannins wrap around the meat's umami, making it a wine that pairs comfortably with the food."
青林 祐輔 Yusuke Aobayashi ／ Chef Sommelier, LATURE Aoyama · 1 Michelin Star
"What first caught my attention was the paulownia-crest label, which stayed with me. The use of acid and tannin is distinctive and refined, with a long finish — a lovely wine that reveals Hayashi's character."
Mr. Kaneshiro ／ Lawry's The Prime Rib Ebisu
"We chose to carry Hayashi Wines because we deeply connected with the story of a Japanese winemaker who keeps pushing forward in Napa Valley. Beyond the quality of the wine itself, we want to share with our guests the thought and background behind each bottle. Both 'Bonne Odeur' and 'Paulownia' pair beautifully with food, and we recommend them with full confidence."
Mr. Kobayashi ／ General Manager, Wolfgang's Steakhouse Signature Tokyo (Ginza)
[Appearance] A clarity rarely seen in a Napa Cabernet. A clean, defined rim, with a garnet core hinting at the grape's inner power. [Nose] Bright, refined cherry and strawberry-like fruit, with deep, woody nuance. Dark fruit reminiscent of a cassis reduction adds complexity. Wood and leather, framed by young yet beautiful timber. [Palate] The attack carries moderate volume, opening with clean, pure fruit. Firm acidity and moderate tannin then build an elegant finish. [Overall] Elegant and refined, yet with the grape's underlying power still felt. A beautiful finish that opens the door to a wide range of pairings — in the best way, not what you'd expect from a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mr. Amagiri ／ Peter Luger Steakhouse Tokyo