1. 1PublishedGrace Chardonnay 2007Chuo BudoshuA wine drunk by Shizuku and Miyabi on the Shinkansen to Asuka, like holding a bouquet of baby's breath, pure and transparent yet not overpowering.A harmony of delicacy and transparencyGrace Chardonnay, crafted by Chuo Budoshu in Yamanashi, is a 100% Chardonnay white wine that really captures the essence of the area's natural beauty. The 2007 vintage, in particular, stands out for its elegance and freshness, making it one of the notable white wines from Japan. In Volume 20 of "Drops of God," Shizuku and Miyabi savor this wine on a Shinkansen ride to Asuka. They describe it as akin to holding a bouquet of baby's breath—delicate, transparent, but with a subtle presence that doesn't overpower others. It's this nuanced elegance that left a lasting impression. Pouring it into a glass, you see a pale lemon-yellow hue that sparkles in the light. The aroma is gently open, with a blend of green apple and pear, mixed with floral hints of white flowers. It's a soothing fragrance that spreads gently. On the palate, a refreshing acidity first greets you, followed by a rich fruitiness that dances on your tongue. The bitterness is subtle, and the overall balance is quite remarkable. This vintage offers a somewhat long finish, naturally inviting you to reach for the next sip. It's a wine that really draws you in.Read review→
2. 2PublishedCeretto Monsordo 1997CerettoA wine served by Leonardo at a restaurant in Asuka, with an ever-interesting taste like Hakone marquetry, with varying blend ratios by vintage.A deep and captivating Italian redCeretto Monsordo hails from the Piedmont region of Italy, and the 1997 vintage is particularly intriguing. Ceretto takes a unique approach by adjusting the blend ratio based on the vintage, aiming to achieve the best expression of that year's climate and grape maturity. It's a testament to their dedication to excellence. In the 20th volume of 'Drops of God', this wine features in a scene at Asuka's ristorante, where Leonardo offers it. It's described as having an intricate, ever-evolving taste, much like the craftsmanship of Hakone marquetry. Each sip reveals something new, making it an endlessly fascinating experience. The wine presents a deep garnet color with a hint of brick at the rim. The aroma is open, showcasing ripe black cherries and dried plums, complemented by mature notes of tobacco and truffle. On the palate, it's smooth on the attack, with a round acidity and velvety tannins. There's a firm structure, and the finish is long, keeping you engaged all the way through. To fully enjoy this wine, try decanting it and serving it in a large glass at a slightly cool 16°C. This will enhance its complex nuances and provide a truly delightful experience.Read review→
3. 3PublishedCeretto Monsordo 2002CerettoA wine served by Leonardo at a restaurant in Asuka, with an ever-interesting taste like Hakone marquetry, with varying blend ratios by vintage.Experience a symphony of evolving flavorsCeretto Monsordo is a red wine from the Piedmont region in northern Italy. This area is renowned for its Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes, and Monsordo often features a blend that varies by vintage. The 2002 vintage in particular captures the unique climate and soil conditions of its time. In the 20th volume of the manga 'Drops of God', this wine was served at Asuka's ristorante by Leonardo. It was described as having a complexity akin to the intricate patterns of Hakone Yosegi-zaiku, offering something new with each sip that keeps you coming back for more. When you pour it into a glass, you'll notice its deep ruby color with a slightly orange-tinged rim that hints at its age. The aroma is a rich blend of dried plums, herbs, and spices, like opening a treasure chest that's been waiting to reveal its secrets. On the palate, it offers soft fruit flavors with smooth acidity, while velvety tannins provide a comforting embrace. The finish is long and satisfying. To truly enjoy this wine, give it some time to open up. Consider decanting it or using a large glass to fully appreciate its evolving aroma and taste.Read review→
4. 4PublishedBarbaresco 2001Pio CesareA wine served by Leonardo at a restaurant in Asuka, left in the cellar by his lover, reminiscent of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.Italian poetry transcended through timeThe 2001 Barbaresco from Pio Cesare is a masterpiece from the Piedmont region of Italy. Pio Cesare is renowned for its blend of tradition and innovation, and this Nebbiolo-based wine has solidified its reputation. The 2001 vintage was particularly notable, blessed by favorable weather conditions. In 'Drops of God' Volume 20, this wine is presented by Leonardo in Asuka's restaurant during a special scene. It was left in the cellar by his lover, reminiscent of the timeless poetry of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro. Such a dramatic backdrop only amplifies the allure of this wine. When you pour it into a glass, you notice the gleaming garnet hue, which, with time, shifts to a brick red, indicating its maturity. The aroma reveals elegant notes of dried fruits and withered roses, along with hints of tea and sous-bois, capturing the scent of time itself. On the palate, there's an abundance of fruitiness supported by vibrant acidity. The tannins are silky smooth, giving the wine an overall elegant impression. The finish is long, with a striking complexity. Let it breathe for a while to truly enjoy its full potential.Read review→
5. 5PublishedBarolo 2001Pio CesareA wine left by Leonardo's lover, evoking the image of the eastern fields at dawn with the moon setting.Depth of age crafted in richnessOpening a bottle of Pio Cesare's 2001 Barolo is quite the event. If you're into Italian wines, this is a must-try, being 100% Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Known for its robust structure and long aging potential, this vintage, with over two decades under its belt, offers both subtlety and complexity. In the 20th volume, this wine is left behind by Leonardo's lover, adding a layer of emotion to the story. It evokes the scene of the eastern fields at dawn, a moment where turning back reveals the setting moon... it's like the wine captures this essence with its aroma and flavor, making it a cherished presence in the narrative. The color is a garnet with a brick hue, showing its age beautifully when swirled in the glass. The nose is open, presenting aromas of dried fruits, tea, and a hint of dried herbs. Upon tasting, you get a soft fruitiness with a vibrant acidity, and silky tannins that linger. The finish is long, allowing you to savor its fullness slowly. This Barolo is elegant, with high complexity and a long finish. Serve it in a large glass, and consider decanting it to fully enjoy the unfolding of its character.Read review→
6. 6PublishedGevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques 1997Armand RousseauA wine opened by Issei and Honoka at Koryu-ji, meaning Saint James's field, initially a Sixth Apostle candidate, later shared with Rolland, known as the Weeping Maitreya wine.A sip that evokes tears in the field of Saint JamesThe Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques by Armand Rousseau, vintage 1997, is truly a quintessential Burgundy Pinot Noir. This particular plot, known as Clos Saint-Jacques, is one of the most esteemed in Gevrey-Chambertin, literally meaning the field of Saint James. In the 20th volume of 'Drops of God', this wine is uncorked by Shizuku and Honoka at Kōryū-ji. They initially considered it a candidate for the Sixth Apostle, but later reconsidered. There's also a scene with Laurent, where this wine is cherished as the "wine of the weeping Maitreya." Pour it into a glass and you’ll see a garnet hue leaning towards brick, a testament to its age. The aroma is open, with hints of dried herbs, sous bois, and a touch of black tea. On the palate, ripe raspberry and black cherry flavors unfold, with an acidity that's smooth yet robust. The tannins are velvety, offering a gentle mouthfeel. The finish is moderately long, with layers of complexity lingering on. This wine is elegant and balanced, making it perfect for special occasions. You should try it when you get the chance.Read review→
7. 7PublishedBarolo 2001Bruno GiacosaA Sixth Apostle candidate wine brought by Issei, associated with the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue at Chugu-ji.A timeless beauty in a glassBruno Giacosa's Barolo 2001 is a stunning red wine from Piedmont, Italy, made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes. Known for his precision and respect for tradition, Bruno Giacosa crafts wines that truly express the character of their terroir and the essence of Nebbiolo. This wine, with its long aging potential, showcases the harmony of tradition and technique. In Volume 20 of 'Drops of God', this Barolo is brought in by Issei as a candidate for the Sixth Apostle. It's likened to the Miroku Bosatsu Hankazo of Chugu-ji, embodying a beauty that transcends time and offering a profound, quietly spoken depth. Pouring this wine reveals a brick-red hue with a high viscosity, leaving thick legs on the glass. The nose offers an intriguing mix of dried fruits and rose petals, gradually revealing undertones of underbrush, dried herbs, and hints of black tea. On the palate, the attack is smooth with a seamless acidity and silky tannins that have beautifully integrated over time. This wine is all about complexity and depth, with a long, lingering finish that invites contemplation. It’s best savored slowly, perhaps after decanting, at around 18°C in a large glass to fully appreciate its nuances.Read review→
8. 8PublishedBarolo Cannubi Boschis 2001Luciano SandroneThe sixth apostle wine brought by Shizuku, evoking a sense of cosmic order, akin to the Miroku Bosatsu statue.A cosmic sense in a glassThe Barolo Cannubi Boschis by Luciano Sandrone is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes from the 2001 vintage. Originating from Piedmont, Cannubi Boschis is one of the most esteemed areas in Barolo, known for its powerful yet graceful balance. Sandrone's craftsmanship combines traditional methods with modern techniques, creating wines that are both classic and innovative. In 'Drops of God' Volume 20, this wine is introduced as the Sixth Apostle, brought in by Shizuku. It's likened to a cosmic order, offering a profound flavor that transports the drinker to a world of quiet meditation. The wine is compared to the Miroku Bodhisattva in contemplation, inviting a sense of serenity. Pouring into the glass, the wine displays a beautiful garnet color with a hint of brick, forming long legs. On the nose, it reveals dried red fruits and rose nuances, with layers of matured tea and truffle notes. On the palate, it offers rich fruitiness with a smooth acidity, and velvety tannins elegantly integrated. The long finish and complex layers leave a lasting impression. For the best experience, decant the wine and serve it at 16–18°C. It's perfect for those special moments where you want to be truly captivated.Read review→
9. 9PublishedNebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore 2001Luciano SandroneAfter the duel, a wine treated by Fujieda, reminiscent of the bells of Utsukushigahara, vibrant yet lonely.Elegance wrapped in solitudeLuciano Sandrone's Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is a true reflection of Piedmont's rich terroir. This 2001 vintage, made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, reveals its full potential over time. With Sandrone's dedication, it offers an elegant and complex taste that stands out in every sip. In volume 20, this wine appears after a pivotal match, shared by Fujieda in the sound of Utsukushigahara's bells. The wine is described as having a vibrant yet somewhat solitary resonance, chosen for a moment that holds special meaning. The color is a brick-tinged garnet, and when swirled, it shows a viscous leg that moves slowly down the glass. The aroma is open, with notes of mature rose, dried plums, and a hint of tobacco. The initial taste is soft, with lively acidity that carries a rounded impression. The tannins are silky, gently melting into the palate. The finish is long, with a complexity that offers new discoveries with every sip. To enjoy this wine best, serve it slightly chilled in a large glass to fully appreciate its depth and elegance.Read review→