Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Mercian – Nagano Chardonnay (Unwooded) 2014 Nagano – Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this expression is crafted in an unwooded, steely style to highlight freshness rather than ageworthiness. Tasting it after a decade was unexpected — proof that even a wine not built for long cellaring can still deliver character and charm. (Educational note: Unwooded Chardonnays are generally meant to be consumed young, but high-acid climates like Nagano can sometimes extend their life.)

Aromas & Flavors
Baked pear, yellow plum, and stone fruits mingle with oxidative notes of dried apple and almond. Hints of citrus peel and honeyed tones appear, adding layers beyond its simple youth-driven origins.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a textured feel, softened by oxidation yet balanced by lingering acidity. Not bone-dry, showing a gentle roundness and a surprisingly long finish.

Food Pairings
Best with roasted poultry, creamy seafood, or mushroom risotto. Also pairs nicely with aged cheeses or Japanese izakaya fare like yakitori or miso eggplant.

Verdict
An over-a-decade-old unwooded Chardonnay that exceeded expectations. Oxidized yet balanced, with fruit, texture, and surprising persistence — a fascinating snapshot of Nagano’s cool-climate potential. 🍷

Did You Know?
Nagano, Japan, is one of the country’s leading wine regions, where elevation and cool nights help retain acidity — crucial for both crisp whites and elegant reds.

Hidden Gem 💎
Japanese Chardonnays rarely make it beyond their local markets, and aged unwooded styles are even rarer — this bottle proved how Nagano can surprise even seasoned tasters. — 15 days ago

Neal Ferry

9.0

A late post from several days ago….Washington Cab, from Prosser, Washington, I worked on a freeway interchange there in 1978. The Cab, it’s fantastic — 4 years ago

with TwiLea

Martin

9.0

Unique barnyardy aroma. Hibiscus. Super drinkable; especially in the humidity. Almost like a wild ale. Can’t wait to pick up another bottle. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Mercian – Mariko Vineyard Syrah 2013
Ueda City, Nagano – Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
From Château Mercian’s pioneering Mariko Vineyard, this Syrah is unlike any other. The 2013 vintage, now over a decade old, shows how Nagano’s cool climate shapes the grape with freshness and elegance rather than sheer power. (Educational note: Nagano’s elevation and wide day–night temperature swings preserve acidity, giving Japanese reds their distinctive lift.)

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, plum, and dried cherry with accents of pepper, violet, and subtle herbs. Secondary notes of leather, soy, and earthy spice emerge with age, weaving seamlessly into the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with pronounced acidity — rare for Syrah — making it bright and affable even after a decade. Tannins are softened with age, leaving a silky texture and a long, savory finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with Japanese-inspired pairings such as yakitori, teriyaki beef, or soy-glazed mushrooms. Also pairs beautifully with duck breast, roasted pork, or aged semi-hard cheeses.

Verdict
One of the most distinctive Syrahs out there: fresh, bright, and terroir-driven. Still harmonious after more than ten years — a wine that surprises and delights in equal measure. 🍷cheers

Did You Know?
Legend says “Mariko” takes its name from the Maruko region, once Prince Mariko’s territory in the 6th century. Today, the same land provides the ideal conditions for world-class viticulture. — 15 days ago

Jonathan Wall

9.5

Imagine a great Cote Rotie, Cornas, and a Cal Syrah step into a bar. The atmosphere is all French but the ‘Mercian makes it interesting and overblown with too much density. It was spectacular, but if it were a bit more reserved, and didn’t stain my Riedel, it would have been on another level. — 2 years ago

Jonathan Wall

9.2

My ‘Mercian wine for a happy 4th! And these exploded! The cab was very good. Initial nose was big, but the mid palate was thin, even watery. Finish brought it back. Threw it in a decanter and 6 hours later it came together with black currants, chocolate, and just enough oak to backbone without ruining it. Meanwhile we had the ridge Syrah behind it which is my happy place. — 4 years ago

eamon gallagher

8.9

j/2 132.2 proof mlbd vol. 4. — 3 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.4

Brdx blend. 12.5%. Medium bodied. Elegant. Mint, earth. Smooth. This impressed a lot of wine pros at dinner. — 10 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

2012 was a good vintage but was never going to age as many thought. That is not to say this 2012 is not in perfect form now. Still not happy the family cashed out and sold this Napa pioneer winery to a corporation that had no previous wine experience. As well, eliminated the last free tasting in Napa, which included their Maratha’s Vineyard. These corporations pay a top price for these grand wineries and then squeeze it. That’s just what corporations do. So disappointing!

The 12 is smooth as silk. Nothing that bites back. Fresh, ripe; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries. Mid, Indian spice, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, crushed rocks, dry twig, mid cola, brilliant, fresh, red & dark, violet florals, amazing acidy, well structured & balanced, easy tension with two minute ruby polished wire to wire finish. — 2 years ago

Chris Haywood

10

Thank god, success for koshu. Amber, peach, geraniums, and the usual citrus nose. This really makes up for the lack of depth and body in non mac koshu. It's still a light wine but there's an evolution from orange peel, peach, and softer floral flavours into a more chalky citrus finish. Its pretty awesome. We'll done mercian. — 5 years ago