Decanter Masterclass at ProWine Tokyo 2024
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

On 11 April, Decanter teamed up with Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) judge Daisuke Kawai to host two masterclasses at ProWine Tokyo 2024.

Japan has become an attractive alternative for many wine producers with the decline of some important sales markets in recent years.

Wine line up at Decanter Masterclass at ProWine Tokyo 2024

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

The masterclasses introduced Decanter World Wine Awards to the Japanese wine trade, and explored the future of wines from Asia through the lens of the competition.

Eight wines from DWWA 2023 were highlighted in the two masterclasses, including one Platinum, two Golds, two Silvers and three Bronze medal winners, displaying the quality of wines endorsed at DWWA.

Search all DWWA 2023 results

NIKI Hills Winery, Chardonnay, Niki, Hokkaido, Japan 2021

Bronze, 88 points

(13%), 100% Chardonnay

Fresh aromas of yellow fruit, nutmeg and vanilla. Powerful, with an appley character and saline finish.

Kusunoki Winery, Special Cuvee Pinot Noir, Nagano, Chubu, Japan 2020

Bronze, 88 points

(12%), 100% Pinot Noir

Earthy nose displaying aromas of forest berries, tea and savoury undertones. Dry and elegant palate.

Canaan Winery, Chapter and Verse Reserve Syrah, Huailai, Hebei, China (Mainland) 2017

Silver, 92 points

(15%), 100% Syrah

Ageing gracefully with red berry fruit intertwined with savoury leather, tobacco and spice undertones. Big powerful tannins, with a toasty finish.

Château Mercian, Mariko Omnis, Nagano, Chubu, Japan 2018

Gold, 95 points

(14%), 41% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot

Forest floor complexity on the nose with dark cherry blueberry and cedar notes, nuances of flowers. Savoury and elegant palate, with well-managed tannins. Serious finish.

Weightstone, Musann Blanc, Taiwan (Greater China) 2021

Bronze, 86 points

(10%), 100% Musann Blanc

Highly perfumed grapey nose with delicate aromas of peaches. Light and dry on the palate.

SUNTORY, Suntory From Farm Tomi No Oka Koshu, Yamanashi, Chubu, Japan 2021

Platinum, 97 points

(12%), 100% Koshu

Tempting green apple, pear, peach and lime with a vibrant lift of zingy mint and white pepper and a mesmerising burst of lemon acidity. Harmonious and complex with a playful saline cheekiness to finish it off.

Lumière Winery, Hikari Sélection, Yamanashi, Chubu, Japan 2017

Silver, 92 points

(11.5%), 46% Petit Verdot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Tannat, 3% Tempranillo, 2% Mourvedre

Attractive nose of black fruits, garrigue and some peppery spice, with leathery nuances. Smooth tannins, light and elegant, very delicate.

Puchang Vineyard, Viaseres Reserve Saperavi, Turpan, Xinjiang, China (Mainland) 2017

Gold, 96 points

(14%), 100% Saperavi

Powerful and spicy, displaying jammy aromas of red and black fruits, with interesting meaty nuances. Firm and well-integrated, rich, with a great concentration of flavour.

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Nina Fan Feng
Nina Fan Feng
Events & Awards Technical Manager

Nina Fan Feng is Decanter’s Events & Awards Technical Manager. She joined Decanter as an intern in 2012, and became digital producer of DecanterChina.com a few months later. Nina joined the marketing team in 2015 to focus on promoting Decanter's activities in Asia, before moving to the Events & Awards team to maximise the use of her knowledge and skills in the digital and technology aspects.

Originally from Beijing, Nina rarely drank wine before starting the job at Decanter. The environment at Decanter encouraged her to explore the rich and colourful world of wine. She is now a fan of German Riesling and a WSET Diploma student.