1. 1PublishedChâteau Talbot 1997Château TalbotThe red wine Shizuku drank the day before the first apostle showdown is named after the British hero General Talbot, with flavors of black fruit jam, figs, and dried plums, like a delightful comedy performed by a small theater troupe.A sip of rich historyHave you ever heard of Château Talbot? It's one of those classic Bordeaux estates, known for making wines primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 1997 vintage is like a time capsule, letting you sip on a piece of Bordeaux history. After 29 years of aging, it's one of those bottles you just look forward to opening. In the sixth volume, this wine makes an appearance right before Shizuku's first apostle showdown. He drinks it and is taken by the aromas of blackberry jam, figs, and dried plums. It's like watching a lively comedy in a little theater, he says. Just imagine the kind of mindset he was in when he held that glass—it's exciting just thinking about it. When you tilt the glass, you see a brick-red hue with a slight orange rim. The nose starts off reserved but then opens up to reveal complex aromas of tea and dried herbs. On the palate, there's the soft sweetness of dried plums, balanced by a pleasantly refreshing acidity. The tannins are silky smooth, and the finish is long and satisfying. I'd recommend decanting it a bit and enjoying it in a large glass. Let it breathe at room temperature and take a journey through the past of Bordeaux's rich history.Read review→
2. 2PublishedChâteau Talbot 1975Château TalbotThe red wine Yutaka Kanzaki opened to celebrate a relay victory when Shizuku was a child.A toast through time, celebrating victoriesChâteau Talbot is one of those legendary places in Bordeaux, specifically in the Médoc, where they craft wines with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This 1975 vintage is something special—it's been aging for over half a century and has developed a depth that's really remarkable. You know, the consistent quality and rich flavors of this wine just get better with time. In Volume 6, this wine makes its appearance in a heartwarming scene from Shizuku's childhood. His father, Toyotaka, opened this bottle to celebrate Shizuku's victory in a relay race, marking a cherished moment with family. It's like the wine captures that emotion in every sip, don't you think? Pour it in the glass and you'll notice the rim has taken on a lovely brick hue. The aroma is complex, with elegant notes of black tea, violets, and dried herbs wafting up. When you taste it, there's a solid structure to it, yet it's velvety smooth, with tannins that have perfectly mellowed out. The acidity is lively, giving the whole experience a robust character. And oh, the finish is long, lingering on and inviting you to savor each moment. It's a wine to take your time with, perhaps on a special evening. I'd suggest enjoying it in a slightly larger glass at around 18°C to really make the most of it.Read review→
3. 3PublishedChâteau Talbot 1990Château TalbotThe red wine Issei and Sara drank the day before the first apostle showdown is a 1990 Bordeaux great vintage, like a popular comedy performed in a grand theater by well-trained actors with an excellent script and direction.Raise the curtain on a wine spectacle.Château Talbot is one of those names you just know if you're into Bordeaux wines, especially from the Médoc region. The 1990 vintage is from Bordeaux's golden era, and this one's got that beautiful balance and aging potential everyone talks about. It's made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a few other grape varieties that just blend so well together, showing off what Bordeaux wines can really do. In the manga 'Drops of God,' it's the wine Shizuku and Sarah shared the night before their first Apostle showdown in volume 6. It's kind of like one of those grand comedies in a packed theater—super approachable but you know there's a lot of skill behind it. Just thinking about it gets you excited to try it. Pour it into your glass, and you'll see this deep ruby color with a hint of orange at the edges—shows it's been around a while. The aroma? It's bursting with black fruits like cassis and blackberry, plus there's this layer of dried herbs and tea that makes it really complex. When you taste it, those silky tannins just glide over your tongue, and it's got a solid body. The acidity is lively, pulling everything together. The finish? It's got this bittersweet dark chocolate vibe that just lingers, and you kinda want that feeling to stick around. Try it around 60-64°F, and you'll really get all the nuanced flavors coming through.Read review→
4. 4PublishedChambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1999Georges RoumierThe first apostle candidate chosen by Issei.A harmonious symphony of loveGeorges Roumier's Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1999 is something truly special, crafted from 100% Pinot Noir in Burgundy. This particular vintage is worth opening for a leisurely evening. The elegance of Pinot Noir blends seamlessly with Roumier's expertise, making it a bottle to savor. In volume 6, this wine appears as the first candidate for the Apostles, chosen by Itsuki. You can see why he picked it—once opened, the aroma fills the room with a special aura that changes the mood instantly. It’s as if the wine itself commands attention and anticipation. Take a look at this wine. It's got a deep garnet color with a hint of orange around the edges. The nose bursts with ripe raspberries and black cherries, intertwined with the graceful scent of violets. As it opens up, you'll notice layers of tea and forest floor, adding complexity—it's like a story unfolding in your glass. On the palate, it's all about silky tannins rolling over your tongue, with a lively acidity that ties everything together. The fruit sweetness and tannic grip are perfectly balanced, leading to a long finish with a subtle spicy note. This is a wine to enjoy slowly, letting each sip reveal more of its character.Read review→
5. 5PublishedChambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 2001Georges RoumierThe first apostle chosen by Shizuku is a 2001 vintage, a complex, quiet, and enigmatic wine expressing Christophe Roumier's personality, like a deep forest.A beguiling elixir of loveGeorges Roumier, a name synonymous with Burgundy, crafts a truly special wine in the Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses, all from Pinot Noir. This 2001 vintage is something you definitely want to open, as it shows the depth and character that comes with time. Just look at it—brick-red with a garnet hue, a testament to its years in the bottle. In the 6th volume of 'The Drops of God,' this wine appears as the first Apostle chosen by Shizuku. It's depicted as embodying Christophe Roumier's personality—complex and enigmatic, like stepping into a quiet, deep forest. His expression of the wine's character is truly captivating. When you bring the glass to your nose, you'll be met with ripe raspberry and black cherry aromas, layered with hints of tea and dried flowers. On the palate, there's a lush, smooth acidity that unfolds with velvety tannins. The balance between fruit and acidity is spot on, offering a full-bodied experience. And the finish? It just lingers on and on, leaving you with a serene satisfaction. If you're planning to open this bottle, it's perfect for a special occasion. Serve it slightly cool, around 64°F, to really let those flavors shine.Read review→
6. 6PublishedRosso dei Notri 2003Tua RitaThe red wine Honma drank in despair upon learning of Catherine's marriage is like a straw hat under the midsummer blue sky, gently absorbing the sun.A straw hat under the summer sunTua Rita's 'Rosso dei Notri 2003' is something you should definitely try. It's a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Merlot from the sunny hills of Tuscany, known for its robust flavor profile. This bottle is part of their approachable lineup, perfect for a casual evening. In Volume 6 of 'The Drops of God', it's the wine that Honma picks when he's feeling down about Catherine's marriage. Imagine a scene where a girl picks flowers under a bright summer sky, with a nostalgic straw hat shading her. This wine feels just like that comforting scene. Pour it into your glass, and you'll see a deep ruby red that grabs your attention. The aroma is open and inviting with ripe blackberry and spicy notes wafting up. Take a sip, and you'll feel the rich fruit flavors spreading across your palate, supported by structured tannins. The acidity is refreshing, bringing everything together nicely. The finish is long, with a pleasant lingering astringency that keeps you coming back for more. Serve this wine around 16-18°C to fully appreciate its charms.Read review→
7. 7PublishedPalazzi 1999Tenuta di TrinoroThe red wine Honma gave at Catherine's wedding is passionate and sweet like a burning love, yet bittersweet like a lost love, a legendary Super Tuscan made only for three years from 1997.A passionate legend of Super Tuscan.The 1999 Palazzi from Tenuta di Trinoro is truly something special, you know. It was only crafted for three years starting in '97, making it a legendary Super Tuscan. And then it made a comeback in 2009. This 100% Merlot wine is rare, and that makes opening a bottle feel like a special occasion. In volume 6 of 'Drops of God,' this wine makes an appearance when Honma presents it at Catherine's wedding. It's described as passionate like a burning love and bittersweet like a lost romance. It feels like this wine conveys more than just flavors. Pour this beauty into a glass, and its deep ruby color immediately catches your eye. The aroma is rich with black cherry and plum, with a hint of spice weaving through. It's like reading a story with your nose. On the palate, the tannins are present but so velvety, not harsh at all. There's a lush fruitiness that unfolds beautifully, and the lively acidity keeps it crisp and engaging. The finish has a touch of bitterness that adds a sophisticated, mature edge. It's got a solid structure and complex profile, leaving a lasting impression. I’d say enjoy it with a larger glass to really savor all it has to offer.Read review→
8. 8PublishedChâteau Haut-Brion 2002Château Haut-BrionThe first of the five great châteaux wines consumed at the Ishikawa brothers' store is like an oriental temple, with intricate beauty and the sensual aroma of incense smoke.Experience the serenity and whispers of BordeauxChâteau Haut-Brion is one of those iconic Bordeaux wines, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among other grapes. The 2002 vintage, with nearly 24 years of bottle age, promises an experience that's both rich and historical. Opening a bottle like this is like tapping into the essence of Bordeaux, especially with how this vintage highlights its matured character. In volume 6, this wine makes an appearance when the Ishikawa brothers gather for a tasting of the five great Châteaus. It was the first bottle they chose, likened to an Eastern temple with its intricate decorations and serene atmosphere. The quiet whispers and swirling incense-like aromas seemed to match the scene perfectly. When you pour it into a glass, you'll notice its brick-colored rim, a clear nod to its age. Inhale, and you'll be greeted by the rich scents of ripe blackberries and dried plums, with a hint of spice weaving through. On the palate, it offers dense tannins and lively acidity, yet everything is in harmony. The finish is long, with layers of complexity unfolding slowly in your mouth. If you're serving this wine, aim for about 16°C. A large glass can really help in opening up those aromas.Read review→
9. 9PublishedChâteau Mouton Rothschild 2002Château Mouton RothschildOne of the five great châteaux wines consumed at the Ishikawa brothers' store has immense power and a scent of western cedar, made using large oak fermentation barrels.A sensory powerhouse from Bordeaux2002's Château Mouton Rothschild is one of those bottles that really catches your eye in Bordeaux. Centered around Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it embodies the grandeur you'd expect from a First Growth. Opening it feels like you're setting the stage for an extraordinary evening.Read review→
10. 10PublishedChâteau Latour 2002Château LatourOne of the five great châteaux wines consumed at the Ishikawa brothers' store is like an orchestra, with a grand and romantic melody reminiscent of Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2, celebrating the vitality of people in Russia's deep forests.A Symphony of BordeauxChâteau Latour 2002 is one of those celebrated wines from Bordeaux's top five châteaux. Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Médoc, it combines power and elegance. You know, when you open this bottle, make sure you're ready for a special experience. In "The Drops of God," volume 6, this wine makes an appearance during a scene at the Ishikawa brothers' shop where they taste the top five châteaux. The wine's aroma and flavor are likened to Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2—complex and majestic. Imagine the rich, layered notes reminiscent of a deep Russian forest. It's quite something. The wine's deep garnet color with a hint of orange at the rim shows its age. When you take a whiff, you'll find rich aromas of black cherry and cassis, with earthy and spicy undertones. On the palate, there's a vibrant acidity and fine tannins that balance each other beautifully. It's a wine that reveals something new with each sip, full of complexity. The finish is remarkably long, like an orchestra playing on your tongue. It's best enjoyed decanted and in a large glass, savoring each moment. This is the kind of wine that's perfect for a special occasion.Read review→
11. 11PublishedChâteau Lafite Rothschild 2002Château Lafite RothschildOne of the five great châteaux wines consumed at the Ishikawa brothers' store is like a castle, specifically Neuschwanstein Castle, a dream world created by Ludwig II over 17 years.A sip of Bordeaux's legacyChâteau Lafite Rothschild's 2002 vintage is one of those quintessential Bordeaux wines that you just have to try. It's mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and other grapes mixed in, and the Rothschild family's passion and skill have been poured into every bottle. Even after 24 years of aging, it still holds its allure. In the 6th volume of 'The Drops of God', this wine makes an appearance when the Ishigami brothers are tasting the five great châteaux. It's described as having the grandeur of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, a wine that embodies a dream world. Imagining that while sipping this wine makes it an extraordinary experience. Pour it into a glass, and you'll see a deep garnet color with a brick-hued edge, a sign of its maturity. The aroma is open, rich with blackberries and cassis, and there's a subtle hint of cedar and dried herbs adding to its complexity. Just the scent alone is worth savoring for a while. On the palate, it's got a robust structure with tannins that are dense yet smooth. The acidity is strong but nicely rounded, keeping everything balanced. The finish is long, leaving a spicy and fruity note that makes you want to take another sip. To really enjoy this, I'd go with a bigger glass at around 18 degrees Celsius.Read review→
12. 12PublishedChâteau Margaux 2002Château MargauxOne of the five great châteaux wines consumed at the Ishikawa brothers' store is like Cleopatra's palace, with vanilla, herbs, and crimson rose aromas, epitomizing elegance.The epitome of eleganceChâteau Margaux is one of those legendary names from the Médoc region in Bordeaux, dating back to the 16th century. It's crafted with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, among others, and the 2002 vintage is just at that perfect stage of maturity to open and savor. You might remember it from the sixth volume of 'Les Gouttes de Dieu,' where it's featured in a tasting scene at the Ishikawa brothers' shop. The scene captures the essence of the wine with its vanilla, herb, and deep red rose aromas, comparing it to the luxurious palace of Cleopatra—truly elegant. When you pour this wine, you'll notice its beautiful deep ruby color with a hint of brick at the edge, showing its age. The aroma is open, with notes of vanilla, dried herbs, and luscious blackberries filling the air. On the palate, it's all about that silky tannin, rich fruitiness, and vibrant acidity that create a robust structure. The long finish feels like a serene moment after a grand ball, so satisfying. For the best experience, serve it in a large glass on a special occasion. You might even decant it to fully unleash its aromas.Read review→
13. 13PublishedChâteau Lafite Rothschild 1984Château Lafite RothschildThe red wine treated by the Ishikawa brothers' father is like a dilapidated old castle, an off-vintage wine with depth and complexity.Even in off years, the castle stands tall.You've got to try this Château Lafite Rothschild 1984. Even though '84 wasn't the best year, it's still a Lafite, you know? They've been crafting these wines since the 1690s out there in Bordeaux, mixing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot like no one else. In volume 6, remember when the Ishikawa brothers’ dad poured this wine? They were in that old, crumbling castle, and despite being an off-vintage, the wine held its ground with its rich terroir. Sure, it might not have the grandeur of 2002, but the depth and complexity were still there, unmistakably. Pour it into a glass and take a look at that color—brick with hints of orange on the rim, showing off its 42 years of age. The aromas are deep, with layers of tea, dried figs, and a touch of underbrush. When you sip it, it's got this smooth attack, with acidity that's just silky. The tannins feel velvety, leaving a lush, long finish that lingers on. If you're having this, go for a big glass, let it open up, and serve it a bit warmer, around 18°C. It's the kind of wine you want to savor on a special evening, really take your time with it.Read review→
14. 14PublishedChâteau Margaux 1970Château MargauxThe red wine Issei had Shizuku taste, posing a riddle, is the wine of the queen's death.A timeless queen's smileChâteau Margaux 1970 is one of those wines that really stands out in Bordeaux. With Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot leading the charge, it’s both elegant and powerful. It’s been aged over 50 years, so opening it is like stepping into a piece of history. You’re not just drinking a wine, you’re experiencing a journey. This wine makes a memorable appearance in Volume 6 of 'The Drops of God', where Issei challenges Shizuku with a tasting that’s full of riddles. It’s a wine that symbolizes the death of a queen, giving it this almost sacred weight. So, you know it’s not just any bottle you’re dealing with. When you pour it, you’ll notice that brick-red color with hints of orange at the rim and a nice viscosity. The aroma is captivating, with blackcurrant and cedar notes, and a subtle leather nuance coming through. It’s so layered, you’ll find yourself wanting to keep sniffing it. On the palate, it’s got these silky yet dense tannins that wrap around your tongue, with lively acidity. It’s like a dance between fruit and acidity. The finish is long and complex, with hints of tea and forest floor emerging over time. This is a wine you want to savor on a special occasion. If you’re going to enjoy it, maybe decant it a bit and serve it around 18°C in a large glass. Go on, give it a try.Read review→
15. 15PublishedChâteau Margaux 1978Château MargauxThe red wine Issei had Shizuku taste, posing a riddle, is an undeniably elegant 1978 Margaux, revived by the Mentzelopoulos family after taking over from the Ginestet family.An elegant revival in a glassThe 1978 vintage of Château Margaux is honestly something special from Bordeaux. The Mentzelopoulos family, after taking over from the Ginestet family, really breathed life back into the estate using everything nature and human skill had to offer. It's mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot that just brings it all together perfectly. Remember the scene in volume 6 where Shizuku is tasting this wine, guided by Issei? The elegance he experienced really stood out. You could just see how special this wine is from Shizuku's expression. It really captured the success of the 1978 Margaux in that moment. Take a look at the color—it's a deep garnet with brick-red edges, a sign of its age. When you tilt the glass, you see the legs, showing its viscosity, a testament to its time in the bottle. The aroma is quite open and complex, with notes of blackcurrant, ripe plums, and a settled tea-like nuance. On the palate, you get a firm acidity at first, and then it moves into a velvety, smooth tannin finish. It's got this amazing balance. The fruitiness is rich, with blackberries and dried figs giving it a luscious depth. And the finish? It lingers beautifully, softly fading away. This is definitely a wine you'd want to savor on a special occasion.Read review→