Norman

9.0

This is just ok. I’m not rating it anywhere near where others have. Aromatics are light. Light on sweetness and also power. It fades fast and the weight on the power is light too. Daishichi “Minowamon” (大七 箕輪門)


Sake type: Junmai Daiginjo (純米大吟醸 = no added distilled alcohol, daiginjo-grade polish)
Starter method: Kimoto (生酛 = traditional, naturally built lactic acidity; tends to add depth and structure) 
Rice: Yamada Nishiki (the gold seal indicates, and it’s the standard spec for Minowamon) 
Polish ratio: 50% using Daishichi’s “super-flat” polishing
ABV: 15% (back label) 
Brewery / Place: Daishichi Sake Brewery, Fukushima (Nihonmatsu) — 2 days ago

Jeremy Pollard

9.3

It’s been a while between Curly pinots. Always a joy to open one, with fond memories attached along with the pleasure of the wine itself. Despite five years from vintage, this is still young and stern but elegant. Clear lines and structure, a spicy, cedary top note amongst red fruit and firm but soft tannins. Clean, I’d call it, plus whole bunch characters. Quality pinot undoubtedly, that should improve even more. — 3 years ago

with Sam

Jeremy Pollard

9.3

Curly Flat never fails to bring joy to my life. I recall tasting this vintage pre-release at the end of a long lunch on a brutally Victorian winter’s day just before Jeni kindly drove my partner and I to the airport (a story unto itself). I recall the striking vitality of the wine, a contrast to the perfumed ‘14 and more delicate, fine-boned ‘13. It’s no shy wallflower, for sure, with proper acid and structure and weight. That whole-bunch character comes through beautifully, without even a hint of unripe vegetal notes. This one coerces rather than seduces, but it’s nonetheless convincing. Happy to have another bottle or two stashed away, as there’s much more to come from this one. — 5 years ago

with Sam

leon egozi

9.3

NY wine spectator event — 3 months ago

Miles Perry

9.3

A light, balanced Pinot Noir with tart cherry flavors. Very easy to drink. Enjoyable. — 7 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.2

With 9yrs age it doesn’t seem like any tannins have dropped. Extremely dense. Tannins are well integrated. Smooth and huge. Dark fruit. Chocolate. — 4 years ago

Pamela Taylor

9.2

Inky garnet in the glass. Smoky bing cherry, clove and baking spices on the nose. Silky on the palate with vanilla and ripe raspberry, very fine tannins. Perfect pairing with Salmon in a Honey, Soy, Garlic and Dijon glaze! — 5 years ago

P Plusquellec

9.4

"Capstone series" - Magnificent — 5 months ago

Brian

9.3

2019 vintage on April 19, 2025 — 9 months ago

Michael Herzig

9.1

Low expectations are everyone’s friendly and it is here too. I don’t recall how I came to own this wine, I expected something simple and flat. It is not. It has spine, it is much richer than I expected- more reminiscent, to me at least, of a Bordeaux like prieure lichine. I am quite surprised, in a good way. Have at it — 4 years ago