N by HIDETOSHI NAKATA VINTAGE 2017

N by Hidetoshi Nakata is reborn as 2017 VINTAGE, an exceptionally rare sake with a graceful expression and elegant complexity that is reminiscent of a fine grand cru.  Although N by Hidetoshi Nakata is released each year, a small number of bottles are reserved for long term aging at Takagi Sake Brewery. Due to sake’s sensitivity to temperature and light, long-term aging is both a challenging and high risk endeavour. However, the reward for Takagi Sake Brewery’s patience, expertise and precise quality control is a sake with a graceful expression that pays homage to the passage of time.  Only exceptional years of N by Hidetoshi VINTAGE are released, and only when the matured sake has reached its optimum aroma, flavour and complexity. N by Hidetoshi Nakata 2017 VINTAGE is  the second vintage to be shared with the world.  Following six years of long-term aging at minus eight degrees, the bright fruit aromas present in its youth have elegantly evolved into soft, mild notes of ripe pear, Japanese honeyed apples, yellow flowers, chamomile, powdered almond and a hint of steamed rice. These ambrosial aromas continue in the flavour which washes widely across the palate in a smooth, velvety wave. It becomes concentrated in the mid-palate, revealing the deep, umami taste imparted by the Yamada Nishiki rice and the sweet, richness of the rare Aiyama sake rice.  Long-term maturation has elegantly softened the rich, fruity flavour and well-defined structure that is characteristic of N by Hidetoshi Nakata, as well as brought to the fore layers of mellow, savoury notes and a gentle minerality. Its sweetness and umami are beautifully integrated, while the refined acidity draws the flavour to a long, luxurious off-dry finish, with a hint of kabosu skin-like spiciness lingering in the aftertaste.