Château Takeda Cabernet Sauvignon

About this wine

Château Takeda Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship red wine of Takeda Winery, born in 1990 from the estate's southeast-facing vineyards in Kaminoyama, Yamagata. Blended from 80% estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot — all hand-harvested — this wine is produced only in years of exceptional grape quality. Fermented with wild yeasts, it is aged for one year in 228-liter French oak barrels (30% new) with minimal sulfite additions, yielding a deeply concentrated red with blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy complexity. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated, the finish persistent — rivaling Bordeaux benchmarks at a fraction of the price.

Sommelier's Note

"This is the wine I open when I want to silence skeptics of Japanese red wine. The 2018 vintage in particular shows that Yamagata Cabernet can compete with mid-tier Bordeaux — full stop."

Food Pairings

Pairs superbly with grilled beef, slow-braised lamb shanks, herb-roasted duck, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The wine's structure and umami depth also make it a compelling partner for Japanese cuisine.

When to drink it

Ideal for celebratory dinners, milestone occasions, and gifting to serious wine lovers. Best enjoyed with food over 2–3 hours.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Style

Red

Price Range

¥9,500-10,450

Terroir & Winemaking

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot (100% estate-grown). Hand-harvested from 15-hectare vineyards in Kaminoyama. Short maceration period. Wild (indigenous) yeast fermentation. Aged 12 months in 228L French oak barrels (30% new). Minimal SO₂: ~20 ppm at crush, ~10 ppm at bottling. Alcohol: approx. 10.5%. Produced only in years with exceptional grape quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Château Takeda Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

It delivers concentrated blackcurrant and dark plum aromas with cedar, pencil shavings, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, ripe but firm tannins frame a full body with a long, elegant finish.

Is this a pure Cabernet Sauvignon?

No — it is a classic Bordeaux blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, both estate-grown. The Merlot softens the tannins and adds plush texture without losing the Cabernet backbone.

When is the best time to drink it?

It is approachable on release but rewards 3–5 additional years of cellaring, developing greater complexity, secondary savory notes, and silkier tannins.

Is it produced every year?

No — Château Takeda is made only in years when the estate deems grape quality exceptional. This selective approach ensures consistent quality across every bottle.

Does it pair well with Japanese food?

Absolutely. The wine's umami depth and firm structure make it a natural companion for sukiyaki, braised pork belly (kakuni), and unagi kabayaki — dishes where the richness of the sauce mirrors the wine's concentration.