About this wine
Estate Goichi Merlot is Hayashi Farm's flagship 100% estate-grown Merlot, sourced exclusively from the winery's own vineyards in the Kikyogahara plateau and the newer Kakizawa site (planted 2011, 820m elevation) in Shiojiri, Nagano. The wine is aged for roughly 16-18 months in French oak barrels, giving it aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, and blackberry layered with vanilla and savory, tarry, gravelly notes from the oak and bottle maturation. It shows a firm tannic structure and full body typical of Kikyogahara Merlot, Japan's most historically significant Merlot terroir. Select vintages (e.g. the 2016 Kakizawa bottling) have scored 90-92 points from international critics and are noted for their ability to evolve further with cellar aging.
Not the softest starting point for wine newcomers — its firm tannins and savory depth reward those who already enjoy structured reds — but it's a highly approachable, well-priced way to experience Japan's benchmark Merlot style.
Sommelier's Note
"This is the wine that proves Kikyogahara can produce serious, age-worthy Merlot — cassis and blackberry fruit wrapped in firm, savory tannins that only get more interesting with a few years in the cellar."
Food Pairings
A classic match for beef stew, grilled steak, and roasted lamb; the firm tannins also stand up well to aged hard cheeses. Its tannic backbone and umami-friendly structure make it a strong partner for rich Japanese dishes such as sukiyaki and yakiniku.
When to drink it
Ideal for dinners centered on grilled or braised meats, celebratory toasts, and as a gift bottle for those exploring serious Japanese wine.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Merlot
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- ¥3,300-4,000
Terroir & Winemaking
100% estate-grown Merlot from Hayashi Farm's own vineyards in Kikyogahara and Kakizawa, Shiojiri, Nagano. Fermented and aged approximately 16-18 months in French oak barrels. ABV approx. 12%. Recommended serving temperature 18-20°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Estate Goichi Merlot taste like?
- Expect cassis, blackcurrant, and blackberry fruit layered with vanilla from French oak aging, firm tannins, and savory, sometimes tarry or gravelly notes typical of Kikyogahara Merlot.
- What food pairs best with this wine?
- Beef stew, grilled steak, and roasted lamb are classic matches; it also holds up well to umami-rich Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and yakiniku.
- Is this wine ready to drink now, or should it be aged?
- It can be enjoyed on release, but its firm tannic structure means top vintages continue to develop for several more years in the cellar.
- What grape variety and vineyard does this wine come from?
- It is made from 100% Merlot grown exclusively on Hayashi Farm's own estate vineyards in Kikyogahara and the Kakizawa site in Shiojiri, Nagano.
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Talk to the SommelierMore wines from this producer
塩尻メルロ
Goichi Shiojiri Merlot
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Goichi Shiojiri Merlot is Hayashi Farm's standard-tier red wine, made from 100% Merlot grapes grown across the Shiojiri area of Nagano Prefecture, combining fruit from the winery's own vineyards with grapes from local contract growers. As the everyday counterpart to the winery's flagship Estate Goichi Merlot, it is aged in French oak barrels, which round out the wine's fruit character. It shows a bright ruby color with aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, gentle tannins, and a medium body — an approachable, food-friendly style rather than the firm, concentrated structure of the estate bottling.
エステートゴイチ シャルドネ
Estate Goichi Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
Estate Goichi Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay white wine made exclusively from grapes grown on Hayashi Farm's own vineyards in the Kikyogahara appellation of Shiojiri, Nagano - including the Kakizawa estate plot opened in 2011 at roughly 800 meters elevation, about 100 meters higher and 1°C cooler than the winery's main vineyards. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, producing vanilla and toasty aromas that layer over the variety's citrus and tropical fruit character. It is a dry, full-bodied white with firm, well-integrated acidity, part of Goichi Wine's 'Estate' series alongside Estate Goichi Merlot.