What the sommeliers say.
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
The first time I tasted PAULOWNIA, behind the rich fruit of a true Napa Cabernet I found something remarkably quiet and composed. It captures the character of the vineyard as it is — untouched, unforced — the delicate Japanese sensibility that Philippe Bascaules, Managing Director of Chateau Margaux, himself recognized. The tannins are soft, the finish long; it never overpowers a dish but accompanies it with grace. This is a wine made by listening — first to the land, then to the voice of the wine itself. With each vintage its reputation grows, and I am convinced that Hayashi is one of the most important winemakers to watch in Napa today.
矢田部 匡且 Masakatsu Yatabe
Napa Valley Ambassador / CWO STELLA · EDITION Toranomon
"A bottle of Napa warmth and dark-fruit nuance with a striking, elegant finish. Paired with venison, its gently melted tannins wrap around the meat's umami."
青林 祐輔 Yusuke Aobayashi ／ Chef Sommelier, LATURE Aoyama · 1 Michelin Star