1. 1PublishedMarsannay 2001Domaine LécheneautA red wine blind-tasted by the Ishikawa brothers' father.Discover Burgundy's hidden gemDomaine Lescheneaut's 2001 Marsannay is all about that Burgundy terroir, made solely from Pinot Noir. This vintage has aged well, so when you open it, you're in for a treat that really shows off what this region can do. It makes its appearance in volume 4 of 'Kami no Shizuku' when the Ishigami brothers' father does a blind tasting. Remember that scene? It was pretty memorable, watching him experience the depth of this wine. It really brings out the wine's complexity. When you tilt the glass, you'll notice a slight brick hue. The aroma hits you with ripe strawberries and raspberries, but there's also this underlying hint of tea and dried herbs. Take a sip, and you'll find the acidity is lively, and the tannins are silky and pleasant. The body is medium, giving it a smart feel. The finish is long, keeping that flavor lingering after each sip. This wine truly lets you savor the elegance of Pinot Noir. I'd suggest serving it at around 16°C in a medium-sized glass to really enjoy it.Read review→
2. 2PublishedClos de la Roche 2002Domaine LécheneautAppeared in a story about Lescheneaux told by the Ishikawa brothers' father.The essence of Burgundy in a glassDomaine Lécheneaut's Clos de la Roche from 2002 is one of those wines that really showcases the beauty of Burgundy. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, it has this artistic presence that's just undeniable. The name itself, Clos de la Roche, hints at the special place where this wine comes from. This wine makes an appearance in volume 4 of "The Drops of God" where the Ishigami brothers' father talks about Lécheneaut. From his words, you can feel how special this wine is. It's all about the land of Burgundy and the passion for Pinot Noir. Just look at the color. After 24 years, this wine shows a garnet hue with a hint of orange at the rim, deepening in the glass. On the nose, you first get notes of tea and undergrowth, then it gently unfurls into black cherry and dried herbs. The aroma alone is captivating. When you sip it, the rich fruitiness unfolds first, followed by a smooth and soft acidity. Then, velvety tannins gently linger on your palate, giving it a solid structure. The finish is long and complex, with new discoveries in every sip. It's the kind of wine you want to enjoy slowly in a special glass.Read review→
3. 3PublishedCôtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion 2001Château de Saint CosmeA red wine from the French side in the Italy vs. France wine competition, priced in the 1,000 yen range.A symphony of Rhone in a glassChâteau de Saint Cosme's Côtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion, crafted with Grenache and Syrah, is a bottle filled with the essence of Rhône. The 2001 vintage brings together years of expertise and passion. When you open it, you're greeted with a taste that's steeped in history and the unique terroir of the region. This wine makes its appearance in volume 4 of 'The Drops of God', during a scene where French and Italian wines go head-to-head. Priced in the thousand-yen range, this French wine stands out with its robust tannins and full-bodied profile, holding its ground confidently against its Italian counterpart. Even in the story, its presence and charm are undeniable. Pour it into a glass, and you'll notice the deep ruby color that catches your eye. With age, the rim shows a hint of orange, a testament to its maturity. Take a sniff, and the rich aromas of blackberry and dried plum envelop you, with underlying notes of spice and dried herbs adding layers of complexity. Taste it, and you'll be struck by its powerful nature. The tannins are dense and provide a firm structure, while the lively acidity balances the rich fruit flavors. The finish is long, leaving a pleasant spice and a touch of mellow sweetness lingering. It's best served at around 16°C in a slightly larger glass to fully appreciate its depth.Read review→
4. 4PublishedContrada di Concenigo Colli di Conegliano Rosso 2000BellendaA red wine from the Italian side in the Italy vs. France wine competition, priced in the 1,000 yen range.A glassful of Veneto's richnessBellenda's 'Contrada di Concenigo Colli di Conegliano Rosso' is a red wine from Italy's Veneto region, crafted with Merlot, Cabernet, and Marzemino grapes. This 2000 vintage is something you want to open to experience the true essence of Veneto's terroir. In the manga 'Drops of God', this wine appears in volume 4 during a scene where Italian wines face off against French ones. Although it was positioned as a budget-friendly Italian option, it certainly held its ground and made everyone think, "Wow, this is impressive for its price." Pour it into a glass, and you'll notice a deep hue with a hint of brick color—a sign of its age. On the nose, you'll find a rich aroma of ripe cherries, plums, and blackberries, complemented by nuances of dried herbs and spices, giving it a complex profile. Take a sip, and the full-bodied fruitiness fills your mouth, with a lively acidity that keeps it fresh. The tannins are well-structured, almost velvety, providing a nice balance to the wine. The finish is long, leaving you with a lingering impression of spices and herbs, along with a subtle earthiness. I'd say, try this with a larger glass and enjoy it slowly. You'll really appreciate its depth and complexity.Read review→
5. 5PublishedMarsannay 2001Domaine LécheneautA red wine from the French side in the Italy vs. France wine competition, priced in the 2,000 yen range.A hidden gem of BurgundySo, Domaine Lescure's 2001 Marsannay is a real gem from Burgundy, showcasing what Pinot Noir from this lesser-known corner can do. Marsannay might not be on everyone's radar, but this Pinot Noir definitely should be. Let's pop it open, yeah? This wine made its mark in volume 4 of the series, standing up as the French contender against Italian wines. It's quite a treat when you sip it and realize how well it delivers for its price range. Honestly, it's like the manga brings the flavors to life, showing what France can really offer. Pour it into a glass, and you'll see that brick-tinted garnet color—it's stunning. Take a whiff, and you'll be met with the sweet-tart aroma of ripe raspberries and cherries, with hints of dried herbs and tea sneaking in there. On the palate, it opens with a soft sweetness, followed by a lively, robust acidity. The tannins are velvety, giving it such a smooth mouthfeel. The finish is long, leaving you with lingering cherry and herb flavors. For a wine at this price point to have such a long finish, isn't that impressive? I'd say try serving it a bit chilled—it's a delightful experience.Read review→
6. 6PublishedCanneto 2000Casa Vinicola D'AngeloA red wine from the Italian side in the Italy vs. France wine competition, priced in the 2,000 yen range.A taste of Italy's southern depthCasa Vinicola D'Angelo, over in the Basilicata region of Italy, crafts this Canneto from the Aglianico grape, and the 2000 vintage is something special. It's like revisiting an old friend, the way it deepens over the years. This wine pops up in volume 4 of 'The Drops of God,' during a face-off between Italian and French wines, introduced as a surprisingly compelling option in the 2,000 yen range. Even at that price, it holds its own, proving its worth. Take a look at it—it's got this deep ruby color with brick-like edges. The aroma hits you with dense black cherry and dried plum, layered with settled notes of dried herbs and underbrush. When you sip it, the acidity comes across as robust, and the tannins are tightly knit and structured. It's not just balanced, but it’s got a solid backbone and complexity that keeps offering new discoveries with each sip. The finish is long, leaving a rich taste that lingers in your mouth. Decanting it before drinking might enhance its charm even more. It's a wine to savor slowly with friends—take your time and enjoy the unfolding of its layers.Read review→
7. 7PublishedRoggio del Filare NVErcole VelenosiA red wine from the Italian side in the Italy vs. France wine competition, priced in the 3,000 yen range.A sip of Italy's soulErcole Velenosi made a name for himself in the Marche region of Italy, crafting wines with a modern twist on local traditions. This Roggio del Filare, made from Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes, is a testament to his skill, blending modernity with tradition. This wine pops up in Volume 4 of 'Kami no Shizuku,' featuring in a scene where Italian and French wines go head to head. For its price range, it's got a surprising amount of quality, which is why it was chosen for such a showdown. Pour it into a glass, and you'll be greeted by a deep ruby color that's as inviting as it is beautiful. On the nose, there's a rush of black cherry and plum aromas that just jumps out, making you want to take a deep inhale. Take a sip, and you'll find the tannins are robust yet silky, creating a smooth texture. There’s a complex dance of spices and licorice unfolding on your palate. The acidity is strong, providing a backbone that supports the whole structure, so you won't get tired of sipping it. The finish has a hint of dark chocolate bitterness, lingering just long enough to invite you for another taste. It's best savored slowly with friends, letting each sip unfold.Read review→
8. 8PublishedChâteau Boyd-Cantenac 2001Château Boyd-CantenacA red wine from the French side in the Italy vs. France wine competition, priced in the 3,000 yen range.A perfect blend of elegance and strengthChâteau Boyd-Cantenac is one of those gems from the Margaux region in Bordeaux. It's primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, capturing that classic Bordeaux style. The 2001 vintage is just at the right point of maturity, so now's the perfect time to pop it open. This wine makes an appearance in volume 4 of 'The Drops of God', where it's featured in a showdown against an Italian wine. It's presented as a wine in the 3000 yen range, showcasing the allure of French wines. Knowing this adds a bit of excitement when you're about to open it. Once you pour it, you’ll notice the garnet hue with a hint of brick at the edges. On the nose, you'll pick up ripe black cherry and violets, with a touch of tobacco and spice. It's like taking a stroll through an autumn forest. When you taste it, there's a rich fruitiness with tannins that are firm yet become velvety with time. The finish is long and pleasant, making you want to pour another glass. If you're serving it, a slightly larger glass at about 14–16°C would be perfect.Read review→
9. 9PublishedSanct Valentin Alto Adige Pinot Nero 2000San Michele AppianoA red wine presented by Homma as a candidate for the First Apostle.A gift from Northern ItalySan Michele Appiano's Sanct Valentin Alto Adige Pinot Nero is like a gift from the cool climate of Italy's Alto Adige. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this wine captures the essence of its region beautifully. Opening this bottle is like uncovering a hidden treasure of depth and elegance. In 'The Drops of God' Volume 4, this wine was introduced as the first candidate for the Apostle by Honma. Remember that scene? It wasn't just any red wine; it carried a special aura right from the moment it was placed on the table, radiating strength and grace. Pour a glass and you'll see that lovely brick hue at the rim, hinting at its age. The aroma starts with lively raspberry and cherry, followed by complex notes of dried tea leaves and underbrush. On the palate, the tannins glide smoothly like velvet, with a gentle acidity that keeps everything in perfect harmony. The finish is long, leaving a rich fruitiness lingering in your mouth long after sipping. This wine's elegance and complexity make it perfect for a special evening. Use a larger glass and take your time enjoying it.Read review→
10. 10PublishedAta Rangi Pinot Noir 2001Ata RangiA red wine drunk at President Mishima's store as a candidate for the First Apostle.Harmony of nature and Pinot in New ZealandYou know, when it comes to New Zealand wines, Ata Rangi's Pinot Noir is a must-try. Especially the 2001 vintage—it's at the perfect time to pop open right now. This bottle, made from 100% Pinot Noir grown in Martinborough's cool climate, really showcases Ata Rangi's commitment to sustainable farming. With years of aging, every sip is like discovering something new. This wine makes an appearance in the 4th volume of 'Drops of God,' where it's chosen by President Mishima in a special setting. It's no surprise they picked this one—there's a certain specialness to it. Just thinking about the flavors waiting inside gets you excited. Pour some into a glass and you'll notice the deep ruby color with an orange-tinged rim. The aroma is rich, bursting with ripe raspberries and blueberries, followed by hints of tea and sous bois. Take a sip, and those fine, dense tannins coat your tongue, while the lively acidity ties everything together beautifully. The finish is long, with earthy tones mingling with the fruit, sticking around for ages. This wine really captures the elegance and complexity of New Zealand Pinot Noir, with a hint of power behind it. Serve it around 14°C, without decanting, to fully appreciate its layers.Read review→
11. 11PublishedRomanée-Conti NVDomaine de la Romanée-ContiA wine mentioned by Miyabi when discussing the two major wine villages of Burgundy.Taste the legend of BurgundyYou know, Romanée-Conti is something really special in Burgundy. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti crafts this wine, showcasing the true essence of Pinot Noir. It’s produced in the Burgundy region of France, and every sip speaks of its unique terroir. In volume 4, when Miyabi talks about the two major wine villages in Burgundy, she mentions this very Romanée-Conti. It’s the kind of wine that holds a legendary status, which is why it comes up in conversations about the best of Burgundy. When you pour it into the glass, the color is deep and captivating. Right off the nose, you get this complex aroma of black cherries and violets—it's both intricate and inviting. On the palate, it’s smooth yet firm, with lively acidity and dense tannins that linger comfortably on the tongue. The finish just goes on forever, which is part of its allure. There’s so much complexity here, and every sip offers something new, a different discovery each time. When you open a bottle, make sure to pour it properly and take your time to enjoy it.Read review→
12. 12PublishedChambertin NVArmand RousseauA wine mentioned by Miyabi when discussing the two major wine villages of Burgundy.A taste of Burgundy's royaltyArmand Rousseau's Chambertin is a standout in Burgundy, made entirely from Pinot Noir. It's one of those wines you choose because of its complexity and depth. You know, it's really something special. In volume 4 of 'Drops of God,' this wine makes an appearance when Miyabi talks about the two major wine villages in Burgundy. She highlights Chambertin as truly exceptional—a wine that naturally draws your attention. Pour a glass and you'll see this intense ruby red color that just grabs you. The aroma is wide open, full of black cherry and blackberry notes, with a hint of violet. As you take a sip, you can feel that solid structure. The acidity is lively, and the tannins are dense yet smooth, making it strong but enjoyable. It's like a bold statement, but one that feels right. The finish lingers, leaving the flavors with you long after. You don't need to decant it, but try it in a large glass to fully appreciate it. It's perfect for those moments when you want to unwind and savor every sip.Read review→