N by Hidetoshi Nakata VINTAGE 2016

N by Hidetoshi Nakata is reborn as 2016 VINTAGE, an exceptionally rare sake with a graceful expression and elegant complexity that is reminiscent of a fine grand cru.

Although N by Hidetoshi Nakata is released each year, a small number of bottles are reserved for long term aging at Takagi Brewery to develop a graceful expression that pays homage to the passage of time.

Only exceptional years of N by Hidetoshi Nakata VINTAGE are released, and only when the matured sake has reached its optimum aroma, flavour and complexity.

N by Hidetoshi Nakata 2016 VINTAGE is the first vintage to be shared with the world.

Following six years of long-term aging at minus eight degrees, the bright fruit aromas present in its youth have elegantly evolved into mellow notes of pear compote, honey, yellow flowers, chamomile, hazelnut and a hint of salty minerality.

These ambrosial aromas continue in the flavour which washes widely across the palate in a smooth, velvety wave. The mellow flavour becomes concentrated in the mid-palate, revealing the deep, umami taste imparted by the Yamada Nishiki rice and the refined richness of the rare Aiyama sake rice.

Long-term maturation has elegantly softened rich flavour and well defined structure that is characteristic of N, as well as bought to the fore layers of mellow, savoury notes and a compelling minerality. The juicy acidity provides balance and draws the flavour to a long, luxurious off-dry finish.

Yokawa, Hyogo Prefecture grown Special A Grade Yamada Nishiki rice & Aiyama rice
Alcohol 15%｜750ml

Serve at 10°C in a Bordeaux glass

"Shizuku-shibori" cloth bag drip-pressed. Bottle matured at minus eight degrees. Once pasteurised to retain a fresh expression and maintain stability. Only 1000 bottles of this limited edition sake are produced each vintage.