2023 Domaine Yui A3 Pinot Noir

Domaine Yui, in Hokkaido's Noboribetsu region, is run by ex-architect Tetsuya Sugiyama and ex-physics teacher Aya Sugiyama, crafting Pinot Noir from elevated, wind-cooled vineyards without pesticides. The A3 cuvee, from their 2023 lineup, showcases deeper, darker fruit than prior vintages like A2, with dried fruit notes and balanced freshness.

This light, perfumed red offers a translucent garnet hue, aromas of sour plums, umami, hawthorn berries, ginseng, herbal roots, autumn leaves, and dried orange peel. On the palate, it's ethereal and silky with gentle sweetness, savory complexity, and a medium-length finish at around 13% ABV, unfined and unfiltered for purity.

Tasters praise its stylish poise, comparing it to top Pinots like Takahiko, positioning Domaine Yui as a rising Japanese star. Priced near HKD 2,477 (ex-discount), it pairs with chicken, turkey, or light dishes, aging gracefully with high acidity and finesse. Ideal for collectors exploring innovative Asian terroir.