Feature│28 Excellent Value Daily Wines (4) - 7 Selections from Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave, by Yui Kobayashi
On Mondays, perhaps because I feel so energized after the weekend, I tend to throw myself into work and often get home too late to cook. On those nights, I pick up a sushi box from my favorite spot, Fuchitsuchi, and pair it with a half bottle of Champagne at home. I'll whip up a simple salad with whatever vegetables I have on hand, adding just a single drop of white balsamic vinegar to soy sauce for an "easy marriage." A half bottle means I don't have to worry about leftovers, so it's perfect for the start of the week. To ensure I can face tomorrow morning without regret, I enjoy just a small, exquisite bite before bed.
Taittinger
"Brut Réserve NV 1/2"
3,675 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
A work crisis erupted. On days like this, when I come home frustrated, I treat myself to a good cut of steak. While the meat comes to room temperature, I prepare the side dishes and retrieve a bottle from the cellar to bring it to *chambrage* (room temperature). Tonight, it's Opus One 2008. As I sip, I reflect on how I'm letting myself be bothered by trivial matters. Sipping slowly, I notice how the wine's flavors evolve, leading me to feel, "Things change. There's no need for despair." It's moments like these, late at night in my living room, that I realize the necessity of opening a fine bottle now and then.
Opus One Winery
"Opus One 2008"
29,400 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
Wednesday means Ladies' Day! But instead of heading to the cinema, I gathered with friends at a home for a movie night. After much deliberation, we chose "The Other Boleyn Girl." Once we were captivated by the opulent costumes and profound story, we indulged in wine and tapas. For wine, connecting with the "movie" theme, I selected Château Miraval's Pink Floyd Rosé, from the Provence winery owned by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. We then spent time discussing how women navigate their lives. It was a precious evening with old friends.
Château Miraval
"Pink Floyd Rosé 2011"
3,360 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
I'm at home doing research for a report. On days like these, I keep my meal light and savor a botrytized Riesling bit by bit while poring over documents. It's Joseph Crombie's Botrytis Riesling from Tasmania, Australia, made from noble rot grapes harvested by hand. This way, even if I accidentally spill some on an encyclopedia, it won't stain (though it might leave wrinkles and stickiness...). The crisp aroma and sharp acidity of the Riesling sharpen my focus, which is a welcome bonus as it helps me work more efficiently, even while enjoying a drink.
Joseph Crombie
"Botrytis Riesling 2009 1/2"
2,940 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
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A couple of friends from France are visiting. Tonight, we're having a home party at the place of a friend who is a food researcher. While hand-rolled sushi, a favorite among the French, is the main dish, the selection includes unique touches like smoked radish pickles paired with cream cheese. When I served wine from Japan to wine connoisseurs, hiding its origin, they were astonished, exclaiming, "What is this? It's incredibly delicious." Upon learning it was NAC Chardonnay from Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, they praised it highly, saying, "It's wonderful that such high-quality wine can be made here!" In the end, nine of us polished off eleven bottles. Thankfully, tomorrow is a holiday.
Izutsu Wine
"NAC Chardonnay Barrel Aged 2011"
3,675 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
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The long-awaited weekend has arrived. I load a cooler with ice and Champagne and drive to the beach. The sense of freedom as the view opens up and the sea comes into sight is indescribable. Once on the shore, I open a perfectly chilled Champagne and simply gaze at the ocean, letting the glass linger in my hand. The reason I chose De Sousa's Brut Tradition NV wasn't because the label features a seashell—though it does—but for its elegant balance, which makes it enjoyable to drink on its own without fatigue. There's no better way to reset my mind than by doing nothing and watching the waves. This is a pleasure reserved for the mild seasons, when it's neither too cold nor too hot.
De Sousa
"Brut Tradition NV"
6,615 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
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We're hosting a garden party for friends in the wine industry. I bring out the BBQ grill and start cooking. My technique is to wrap the ingredients in foil or other material to ensure even heat distribution. Today also doubles as a celebration for a friend couple's engagement, so I've prepared a 2008 vintage of Château Calon Ségur, famous for its heart label. This vintage is wonderful because it's enjoyable to drink even at a young age. We wrap up the party before it gets dark, as I need to rest up for the week ahead. I drift off to sleep, savoring the happiness of being able to say, "Ah, that was fun!" Goodnight.
Château Calon Ségur
"Château Calon Ségur 2008"
9,450 yen (Isetan Shinjuku Grand Cave)
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