We're finishing off a very involved week here in the shop with a bang, as we're set to show off extensive lineups of both the newest Henschke releases on Saturday, as well as a high-quality curated list of sake on Friday!
Sake's popularity and appeal continues to grow rapidly; as the country constantly receives new bottlings and expressions over from Japan, we're always receiving a vast range of flavour preferences from different folks! We thought to celebrate this rising trend with a diverse list of ten sakes for you all to taste Friday (3rd) afternoon from 4 to 6pm. Host Jennifer Anderson from Deja Vu Wine Co, who supplied all these great bottles, knows them inside and out, and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge with you!
Then our Saturday (4th) tasting sweeps in the latest and greatest from Eden Valley greats Henschke! As always, the passionate work of Stephen and Prue Henschke in both the vineyard and cellar rings true in whites of total fruit purity and layered reds of backbone and drive that stand as some of the most rewarding in the world to cellar for many years. Between 12 to 2pm (or until bottles pour out), host Craig Haworth from Joval Wines will be showing eight of their wines, including back releases of Mount Edelstone 2013 and an exceptional 2008 Hill of Grace - we hope you can all make this one!
All sake bottles will be at special discounts at the tasting/in the shop for the next week
Sparkling Sake
Dewazakura Saku Sparkling Junmai
Medium Dry
Tengumai Umajun Junmai Ishikawa Prefecture
Modern Style with good acidity
Houraisen Wa Junmai Ginjo Aichi Prefecture
Elegant and Aromatic
Dewazakura Dewasansan Junmai Ginjo Yamagata Prefecture
Houraisen Bi Junmai Daiginjo Aichi Prefecture
Full Bodied
Shichida Junmai Daiginjo Saga Prefecture
Earthy and Spicy
Tengumai Yamahai Jikomi Junmai Ishikawa Prefecture
Sweet Liquours
Yoshinogawa Yuzushu Niigata Prefecture
Kuni Zakari Muroka Chita Umeshu Aichi Prefecture
Hombo Shuzo Joto Chiran Cha Umeshu (matcha green tea) Kagoshima Prefecture
Peggy's Hill Riesling 2023 - $23 on special; $26 RRP
"Pale straw with green hues. Fragrant aromas of frangipani, white rose, almond blossom, lime leaf and white musk, with hints of jasmine and fresh herbs. The palate is intense and pure with flavours of lemon rind, lime and white stone fruit, balanced by fine mineral acidity and excellent length." - Winemaker Notes
Innes Vineyard Pinot Gris 2023 - $30 on special; $35 RRP
"Excellent intensity of fruit here. Quality is announced from the outset. Pear, apple and chalk characters, a touch of florals, a tonic aspect. This Pinot Gris is straight, clean, well-flavoured and attractive from start to finish." - 93 Points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
Stone Jar Tempranillo 2021 - $43 on special; $49 RRP
"Really bright, fresh and vibrantly red in the glass. Fragrant and lifted aromas of blueberry, satsuma plum, dried herbs, cola, a touch of mint and spice. Crunchy and youthful in flavour, mid-weight, with blue fruits, firm and savoury, textured tannins and lovely length. Smart presence and mouth-feel." - 92 Points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
Keyneton Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet Merlot 2021 - $55 on special; $62 RRP
"Deep, dark and impenetrably opaque in the glass. Brooding aromas of mulberry, satsuma plum, anise, bramble, spice and graphite. Full, rich, fleshy and quite primary and plush in flavour. Lashings of black fruits, sweet spice, choc-mint and a briary earthiness. The tannins are textured, firm and shapely and there’s plenty of lively acidity ensuring the decadent fruit behaves itself." - 95 Points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
Tappa Pass Shiraz 2021 - $109 on special; $125 RRP
"Ink black core into a deep purple rim. Mulberry, violets and iodine aromatics. Palate is weighty with ripe purple fruits that glide with serious class and distinction. Some anise spice and nori notes sit underneath and while the glide is silky, the tannins are still powerful and persistent. A very finely wrought wine that carries prodigious length." - 96 Points, Stuart Knox, The Real Review
Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2013 - $315 per bottle
"Deep ruby/brick-red colour, the bouquet evoking smoked meats, dusty terracotta earth and roasting pan aromas, with savoury/oaky overtones. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and again very dry, savoury and layered with terracotta, bresaola, seed spices and dried herbs galore. Tannins are supple and abundant, still providing a good backbone but mellowing out nicely. It's in a good place right now but has plenty of time left." - 96 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review (Feb 2024)
Hill of Grace 2008 - $1,250 per bottle
*Limited stock available (a $50 tasting fee on the day will be required - a more substantial 40ml pour will be provided)
"Very deep, concentrated brick-red colour of appropriate maturity, the bouquet dominated by earthy/forest-floor savoury tertiary aromas with old leather armchairs, terracotta and dried porcini mushroom aromas to the fore. A subtle trace of licorice. Sumptuous palate flavour, with masses of tannin but also a core of sweet fruit endures. The finish is energetic and driving, the aftertaste lingers on for an eternity. A majestic mature shiraz in the prime of lts life. A great wine!" - 99 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review (Feb 2024)
- Also New & on Special from Henschke -
(Not on tasting)
Hill of Grace 2019 - $975 on special; $1,085 RRP
The Wheelwright Shiraz 2019 - $155 on special; $175 RRP
Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - $180 on special; $205 RRP
Mount Edelstone Shiraz 2019 - $260 on special; $290 RRP
If you wish to buy any of the Henschke wines, please use the links above ? Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions // Prices valid until Thursday the 9th of May