Kenzo Estate
Asatsuyu Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
A fascinating and little-known brand owned by Kenzo Tsujimoto, who purchased 3,800 acres along the slopes of Mt. George in the late 1980s. Kenzo Estate wines are the result of a collaboration between winemaker Heidi Barrett of Screaming Eagle and legendary viticulturalist David Abreu, the wines are almost exclusively exported to Japan, and they sport an impressive price tag. This half bottle of 2013 Asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc sells for a mere $95.00, if you can find it. Nuanced aromas of guava, underripe pineapple and peach pit give way to an attack that is surprisingly round and full. For me, the most intriguing aspect of this wine is how much it narrows it's focus at the finish, one that is interlaced with classic Sauvignon Blanc herbaceousness and chalky minerality.
A fascinating and little-known brand owned by Kenzo Tsujimoto, who purchased 3,800 acres along the slopes of Mt. George in the late 1980s. Kenzo Estate wines are the result of a collaboration between winemaker Heidi Barrett of Screaming Eagle and legendary viticulturalist David Abreu, the wines are almost exclusively exported to Japan, and they sport an impressive price tag. This half bottle of 2013 Asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc sells for a mere $95.00, if you can find it. Nuanced aromas of guava, underripe pineapple and peach pit give way to an attack that is surprisingly round and full. For me, the most intriguing aspect of this wine is how much it narrows it's focus at the finish, one that is interlaced with classic Sauvignon Blanc herbaceousness and chalky minerality.
3 people found it helpfulMay 2nd, 2015Polished, refined, deeply intriguing texture and layers of fruit on a steely frame of acid. Very nice!
Polished, refined, deeply intriguing texture and layers of fruit on a steely frame of acid. Very nice!
Mar 21st, 2015Will always be my favorite, however pricey, Sauvignon blanc. This screams with fruit and a restrained acidity. Almost desserty. Not as much of the stone fruit power as the previous vintage. But oh so great. Sold mainly in split format. #pnv15 #heidibarrett
Will always be my favorite, however pricey, Sauvignon blanc. This screams with fruit and a restrained acidity. Almost desserty. Not as much of the stone fruit power as the previous vintage. But oh so great. Sold mainly in split format. #pnv15 #heidibarrett
Feb 22nd, 2015Rich and ripe and lush, but pretty tasty passion fruit and green apple.
Rich and ripe and lush, but pretty tasty passion fruit and green apple.
Jan 3rd, 2015The Kenzo estate made by Heidi Barrett (no relation to Kenzo fashion) A Japanese owned Estate in Horse Hills appellation Napa Valley. Sauvignon Blanc (Musque Clone) is sensational- aromatics of lychee, fresh apricot, guava and texture that is as refined as the architecture is restrained. Polished, perfumed and profound. 96 points
The Kenzo estate made by Heidi Barrett (no relation to Kenzo fashion) A Japanese owned Estate in Horse Hills appellation Napa Valley. Sauvignon Blanc (Musque Clone) is sensational- aromatics of lychee, fresh apricot, guava and texture that is as refined as the architecture is restrained. Polished, perfumed and profound. 96 points
Oct 16th, 2014Lemon balm, tarragon, grapefruit and honeydew.
Lemon balm, tarragon, grapefruit and honeydew.
Aug 10th, 2022Slight herb flavor. Stimulated acidity and fruity including citrus and peach? Balanced SV + SL, a bit dry and sweet in after @1200/G(10400), 191011
Slight herb flavor. Stimulated acidity and fruity including citrus and peach? Balanced SV + SL, a bit dry and sweet in after @1200/G(10400), 191011
Oct 11th, 2019