Bob McDonald

9.1

A glass of Japanese white at the fabulous Hotel Mitsui in Kyoto. Very similar to a Sauvignon Blanc, more specifically a Sancerre from the Loire. Most impressive. I didn’t get to try a Japanese Red yet on this visit but might seek one out in Tokyo tonight. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

No formal notes. Medium bodied, black and red fruits / very savoury. 70% Lupina, 30% Rondinella. Went well with Pizza - in Kyoto of all places. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Wine prices in Tokyo tend to be expensive but this was about $200 AUD. Probably sounds dear but when you’re here that’s not too bad. Medium crimson in colour. Just medium bodied - red fruited with cherry, strawberry and earthy silty notes. On the palate went well with a Grade 4 Waygu steak which was very expensive but it was a good match. All very satisfying. From a good vintage in Piedmont. The photo is from the Delectable library but the vintage we had was 2016. — 21 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

No detailed notes. Just a good drink now budget Cabernet from California which drinks to its price point. Blackberry and dark chocolate. A Coppola movie has more complexity 😎 — 22 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

The first time I’ve ever listed a water on Delectable but because of the outstanding label and this expression of mountain spring water is local from Kyoto I had to list this. Our final night in Kyoto coupled a Japanese white and a Sagratino from Umbria. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

At the highly regarded “Somoza” restaurant in Niseko. The food was amazing - this wine overpriced at 47,000 Yen - $470 AUD for a Village wine. Quite a simple wine and a little closed. Was looking for the Chambolle perfume which was not there yet. The palate was uncomplicated and straightforward. Strawberry and raspberry, red currant. Medium minus palate length. Moderate tannins. French wine tends to be overpriced in Japan. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

A good serviceable Pinot Gris from California showing dried pear notes and medium minus acid. Had a glass of this. — 21 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.8

Brief notes. According to the sommelier this was a blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois but the language barrier was an issue. The list at this restaurant was heavy with Loire Valley wines. This is a Cremant d’Alsace. — 6 days ago

Bob McDonald

8.6

No notes. A regulation Côtes du Rhône bought in Niseko Japan and consumed with Chicken and Pork. Savoury red fruits with soft tannins made to be drunk now. At Rin, Niseko. — 15 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

A local Sake from Niseko. This one was 15% ABV unlike the one a few days ago which was only 8%. I know very little about Sake but this one had more complexity and flavour with the higher alcohol. Interestingly the glass is put in a little pine timber box. The glass is filled until it overflows into the little box. The glass is then drunk followed by the remainder from the timber box which gains little woody notes from the box. I was not aware of this way of serving Sake. At Shabu Shabu Hirafu. — 15 days ago