The 2023 Takahiko Yoichi Nobori Passetoutgrain is a highly sought-after wine from Japan's most acclaimed winemaker, Takahiko Soga, who founded his domaine in 2010 in Yoichi, Hokkaido. This particular wine is a co-planted field blend, primarily Pinot Noir with a touch of Zweigelt, crafted in the spirit of Burgundy's humble Passetoutgrains but with a distinctive Japanese sense of umami. The 2023 vintage is noted as being 98% Pinot Noir and 2% Zweigelt. Takahiko's wines have gained international recognition, with his Nana-Tsu-Mori Pinot Noir being the first Japanese wine ever poured at Noma. Tasting notes for the 2023 Yoichi Nobori Passetoutgrain describe it as light to medium-bodied with flavors of plum, prune, black fruit, cumin, and cinnamon. It possesses a savory umami core, forest-floor depth, and a gentle structure. Other notes include strawberry, pomegranate, earthy, mushroom, honey, clove, nutmeg, and subtle oak. The winemaker himself describes his wines as having a delicate yet broad flavor with a long lingering umami, similar to a good soup stock, an expression unique to Japan. 【First Japanese wine ever poured at Noma (for Nana-Tsu-Mori Pinot Noir, reflecting the winery's prestige)】 🍴 Food pairing suggestions: This versatile red pairs wonderfully with Japanese cuisine such as yakitori, mushroom dashi, miso-glazed eggplant, and roast chicken with shoyu. It also complements duck breast, beef, veal, and vegetarian dishes, especially those featuring mushrooms. 🥂 Event suggestions: Given its cult status and unique profile, this wine is perfect for a special dinner with friends who appreciate unique and rare wines, a tasting focused on emerging wine regions, or as a thoughtful gift for a wine connoisseur.