Wine Orbit (98)

Offering graceful power and immense complexity, the wine shows dark cherry, dark mushroom, floral, fragrant spice and toasted almond characters on the nose with nuances of charcuterie and floral. It’s elegant and sophisticated on the palate with exceptional depth and concentration, seamlessly structured by silky tannins, finishing impressively long and engaging.

A masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, the Chichibu Single Malt Peated Single Cask Modern Malt Whisky Market Hogshead Cask 2078 2012 is a pure essence of rich tradition and progressive innovation. Matured in Hogshead casks in the exquisite Chichibu distillery, nestled amidst the lush hills of Saitama Prefecture, each sip evokes the raw beauty and distinct seasons of Japan. The divine fusion of smoky peat with luscious malt captivates the palate, revealing an impeccably balanced profile of depth and smoothness.

This single malt whisky, bottled in 2012, bears the rigorously maintained legacy of Ichiro Akuto - a linchpin figure in the world of whisky. Exclusively distilled from malted barley and peat, this spirit portrays Akuto's tireless pursuit of excellence. Every bottle of Chichibu Single Malt Peated Single Cask Modern Malt Whisky Market Hogshead Cask 2078 2012 exemplifies the essence of Japanese whisky - subtlety refined, respectably complex, and discerningly individual.

Lauded globally as a premium whisky, the Chichibu Single Malt Spirit Shop Selection Cask 1402 2011 embodies the utmost excellence of Japanese distillation. Produced by the Chichibu distillery, founded by the illustrious Ichiro Akuto in 2008, this spirit is a testament to craft and tradition, with precise attention to detail and imbibed with a distinct Japanese character.

Matured in oak casks and bottled in 2011, the Chichibu Single Malt Spirit Shop Selection Cask 1402 2011 showcases an intricate bouquet, rich with the scent of spicy notes interlaced with sweet tones and finishes with a lingering taste of malted barley. Its lavish complexity mirrored by an elegantly smooth consistency testifies to its meticulous creation process.

This opulent spirit, nestled in the verdant mountains and nurtured by Chichibu's favourable climate, exemplifies the unrivalled calibre of Japanese whisky heritage. Savour the taste of the Chichibu Single Malt Spirit Shop Selection Cask 1402 2011, a crowning achievement in premium whisky craftsmanship.

Raymond Chan (19.50)

Dark ruby-red colour with good depth. The nose has well-ripened dark-red and black berried fruits with nuances of dark red plums, unfolding an array of dark-red floral perfumes, and hints of dark herbs. A minerally edge is apparent to balance the fruit richness. Lovely detailing. Medium-full bodied, the palate features rich, sweet and plush fruit flavours of dark-red berry fruit and black cherries, along with notes of plums and liquorice. Some dark herb and floral lift provides elegance. The mouthfeel shows very fine-grained tannin extraction and excellent acid freshness and tension. The wine flows along a velvety line, carrying to a long, sustained, sweet fruited, bright finish with acid freshness. This is richer and more complete since last tasting. Fruit from the ‘Dry River Estate’, ‘Lovat’ and ‘Craighall’ sites, fermented with 30% whole clusters to 13.0% alc., the wine aged 12 months in 15% new 300 L and 350 L hogsheads.

The Real Review (96)

Deepish, bright, youthful red/purple colour, with a lovely fragrant bouquet of red and dark cherries, strawberry and rose petals. It's complex and foresty too, but shows more primary fruit and perfume than usual for a young Escarpment pinot. Dried flowers, dried herb, savoury underbrush aromas. Very complex and profound in the mouth, with a very long carry. The tannins are in excellent harmony. An outstanding vintage for this vineyard. (70% whole-bunches)

Wine Advocate (95)

The full-bodied, rich 2019 Kupe Pinot Noir is a lovely example of how size doesn't have to mean a loss of elegance. Bold black cherry and plum flavors combine with nuances of cola spice and mocha to yield ample complexity, while the palate is plush and velvety, seamlessly extending through a lingering finish. While delicious now, I expect it will drink well for more than a decade.

Vinous (90)

Bright medium red. Sexy spicy lift to the aromas of red raspberry, underbrush and wild herbs. Broad, dry and classic in a savory Burgundian style, conveying a restrained sweetness to its flavors of raspberry, spices and earth. This very suave, long wine finishes with fine-grained tannins and lovely perfumed lift. Seems more firmly structured than the 2012 version but remains light on its feet.