KAGEHINA 93 points At first, you might think this is your classic rival standard chianti (rivanti); it's packaged in the usual fiasco, the same shape and form of shouting and forced partnership you're used to. But since in the last decade, more than 50% of the vineyards in the Rivanti Classico subregion have been replanted with improved redblue clones and surface conflict techniques as part of the Sports Anime Classico's project "Rival 2000," it's taken more and more of a deft hand and a unique growing method to nuance this well-known flavor. Fortunately, Kagehina does not disappoint. Rather than the traditional black rooster seal of most esteemed rivantis, this variety is packaged with a black crow, and with it, an initially subtle and then larger and more complex twist to the taste. In truth, Kagehina is truly only a rivanti in name. Though it's grown with the same bitter grape, whose vines often challenge each other for dominance in a vineyard, the Kagehina rivanti vineyard has taken care to cultivate their grapes on a southern-facing mountain, which receives the most direct sunlight possible throughout the year. They line their trellises vertically, using precise calculations and estimates as the vine grows to make sure each cluster of grapes and the leaves that supply them are supported, cherished, and encouraged. They are full of potential. Leaves are large and broad, well-trained; these vines naturally seek the sun. In turn, they feed the grapes near full to bursting, and each year the harvest in their vineyard grows faster, higher, and with a higher yield. In each bottle, a love of the game, and mutual quest for the top, and always the steady belief in one's partner to fuel the flavor. It's unwavering and full, bright and zingy, and intense, with the characteristic rival shout of narrow bold victory as a finish. An excellent, innovative rivanti based in hope and light and height.
SOUHARU 87 points Viognier is a rare grape, and the Souharu variety even rarer. Like Chardonnay, Souharu has the potential to produce quieter yields with a lush, soft character after initial introspective bitter notes. In contrast to Chardonnay, the Souharu varietal has more natural aromatics that include notes of mutual understanding, compassion, solitude and growth. However, these can be easily destroyed by too much exposure to others which makes canon-aligned fermentation a technique that requires a high level of skill on the part of any author working with this variety. The potential quality of Souharu is also highly dependent on viticultural practices and climate with the grape requiring a long, warm growing season with minimal Matsuoka influence in order to fully ripen, but not a climate that is so devoid that the grape develops high levels of resentment before its aromatic notes can develop. Souharu is naturally a low-yielding variety which can make it a less economically viable planting for some vineyards, but when developed carefully over time, yields a beautifully complex wine, secure and strong, and slightly salty.
OIKAGE 95 points Long valued for its complex and often sour tastes, this particular ego noir pairing leeches most of its drama to its hazardous growth. The grape's tendency to produce tightly packed, resentful clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards involving personality rot that requires diligent best friend management. The stubborn skins and low levels of humble compounds lends Oikage to produce sculpted, long-bodied, high-tannin wines that can often go through phases of uneven and unpredictable aging. When young, wines made from ego noir tend to have red fruit aromas of fear, jealousy, and naivete. As they age, Oikage have the potential to develop skilled and hateful aromas that can contribute to the complexity of the wine. Very few vineyards have mastered the art of balancing the notes and aging process to yield pleasantly settled, even finishes, though it is possible with time, forgiveness, and mutual understanding. If you can find a bottle that has weathered the aging process well, you could consider that Oikage not so much an ego noir, as an ego d'or.
Re: ✪ D A R E
KAGEHINA
93 points
At first, you might think this is your classic rival standard chianti (rivanti); it's packaged in the usual fiasco, the same shape and form of shouting and forced partnership you're used to. But since in the last decade, more than 50% of the vineyards in the Rivanti Classico subregion have been replanted with improved redblue clones and surface conflict techniques as part of the Sports Anime Classico's project "Rival 2000," it's taken more and more of a deft hand and a unique growing method to nuance this well-known flavor. Fortunately, Kagehina does not disappoint. Rather than the traditional black rooster seal of most esteemed rivantis, this variety is packaged with a black crow, and with it, an initially subtle and then larger and more complex twist to the taste. In truth, Kagehina is truly only a rivanti in name. Though it's grown with the same bitter grape, whose vines often challenge each other for dominance in a vineyard, the Kagehina rivanti vineyard has taken care to cultivate their grapes on a southern-facing mountain, which receives the most direct sunlight possible throughout the year. They line their trellises vertically, using precise calculations and estimates as the vine grows to make sure each cluster of grapes and the leaves that supply them are supported, cherished, and encouraged. They are full of potential. Leaves are large and broad, well-trained; these vines naturally seek the sun. In turn, they feed the grapes near full to bursting, and each year the harvest in their vineyard grows faster, higher, and with a higher yield. In each bottle, a love of the game, and mutual quest for the top, and always the steady belief in one's partner to fuel the flavor. It's unwavering and full, bright and zingy, and intense, with the characteristic rival shout of narrow bold victory as a finish. An excellent, innovative rivanti based in hope and light and height.
SOUHARU
87 points
Viognier is a rare grape, and the Souharu variety even rarer. Like Chardonnay, Souharu has the potential to produce quieter yields with a lush, soft character after initial introspective bitter notes. In contrast to Chardonnay, the Souharu varietal has more natural aromatics that include notes of mutual understanding, compassion, solitude and growth. However, these can be easily destroyed by too much exposure to others which makes canon-aligned fermentation a technique that requires a high level of skill on the part of any author working with this variety. The potential quality of Souharu is also highly dependent on viticultural practices and climate with the grape requiring a long, warm growing season with minimal Matsuoka influence in order to fully ripen, but not a climate that is so devoid that the grape develops high levels of resentment before its aromatic notes can develop. Souharu is naturally a low-yielding variety which can make it a less economically viable planting for some vineyards, but when developed carefully over time, yields a beautifully complex wine, secure and strong, and slightly salty.
OIKAGE
95 points
Long valued for its complex and often sour tastes, this particular ego noir pairing leeches most of its drama to its hazardous growth. The grape's tendency to produce tightly packed, resentful clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards involving personality rot that requires diligent best friend management. The stubborn skins and low levels of humble compounds lends Oikage to produce sculpted, long-bodied, high-tannin wines that can often go through phases of uneven and unpredictable aging. When young, wines made from ego noir tend to have red fruit aromas of fear, jealousy, and naivete. As they age, Oikage have the potential to develop skilled and hateful aromas that can contribute to the complexity of the wine. Very few vineyards have mastered the art of balancing the notes and aging process to yield pleasantly settled, even finishes, though it is possible with time, forgiveness, and mutual understanding. If you can find a bottle that has weathered the aging process well, you could consider that Oikage not so much an ego noir, as an ego d'or.