Takatenjin Shrine of the Village Junmai Ginjo (Shizuoka)
Doi Shuzo
Importer: Vine Connections
Rice: Yamada Nishiki milled to 50% (so it could be labeled daiginjo)
SMV: +5
Acidity: 1.8
16.8% abv
Toji: Shokichi Hase
I went for this bottle because it was shaped like a gin bottle and I’m having withdrawals here in South Carolina. This sake is kickin it. Vanilla, floral, and citrus aromas. The first impression is this soft and inviting Rubenesque mouthfeel, then ramped up flavors of lime, honeydew melon, and rice water with super lovely acidity. I did try this with a hotel room pan-fried ribeye (ok, I set off the fire alarm!) and it almost worked. The acidity worked well but the flavors were lost. Post carnivore it is very very nice.
2007 Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette (Beaujolais) Much better with the beef but a somewhat thin version of this wine. There is considerable raspberry and cherry fruit with some attractive earthiness but some odd bandaid aromas and a thin midpalate. The tannins are softly chewy and the acidity is decently high