Kenzo Estate announces the appointment of Helen Keplinger to lead winemaking efforts in the role of Consulting Winemaker. This is a return to Kenzo Estate, as she was initially a member of the winemaking team from 2005-2010.
"I am confident that, under her hand, the wines of Kenzo Estate will rise to an even greater level," comments Founder, Vintner and CEO Kenzo Tsujimoto.
In the winery, Keplinger leads Associate Winemaker Hideo Kuroda, a Kenzo Estate winemaking veteran with more than 12 harvests and vintages in his experience. Ms Kepliner also re-teams with Vineyard Manager David Abreu, who is responsible for mapping and planning, as well as maintaining, the 160+ acres of vineyards dotted across this diverse 3800-acre estate.
Read more about Helen Keplinger in her Team Bio.
Read more details about the appointment in the Press Release, below:
Sold out for months, on April 21, Kenzo Estate's asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc begins shipping once again to dedicated fans - only in the USA - who took advantage of pre-Release offers that arrived in their inbox.
The legendary Sauvignon Blanc delivers its 18th vintage from the estate in Napa Valley, and again is in allocation to ensure all fans have a chance to order the coveted Napa Valley white wine.
The 2024 asatsuyu is sourced exclusively from 93% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Semillon.
ACCOLADES / last vintage /
Wine Spectator: "Impressive and succulent, with an appealingly fleshy texture, like biting into a perfectly ripe peach or mango. Details of lemon balm, lemon verbena, Key lime, passion fruit and green tea linger. Drink now." --MaryAnn Worobiec
Wine Enthusiast: "Flavors of lychee, white nectarine and lemongrass are touched by white pepper. Layers of accentuating spices are carried through this wine by firm acidity, enveloping texture and a long, vibrant finish." —Elaine Chukan Brown
Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto are pleased to invite guests to Kenzo Estate winery in Napa Valley to experience the magic of their exclusive vineyards, and the fine Michelin Star cuisine of Kenzo Napa restaurant. Head Chef Kenji Miyaishi has designed an extraordinary kaiseki menu for the occasion, which was dubbed "Not-to-miss" by Robb Report in previous years, and will be limited to 20 seats on the evening of Collective Napa Valley's fundraising weekend that culminates with a wine barrel auction (Friday) and a Live Lot auction (Saturday).
LIVE LOT on Sothebys.com - In addition, the Tsujimotos have donated a traveler's dream trip that includes VIP visits to the Kenzo Estate properties, Kenzo Napa, and stays at the Hotel Okura in Tokyo and Kyoto, and the Gora Kadan onsen ryokan in Hakone. PLUS, an exclusive excursion with a catered meal in Gion for the Ochaya Tomiyo, a historic teahouse in Kyoto.
Book Collective Napa Valley's fundraising weekend, learn more and get tickets for the Kenzo events via the link below.
In his most recent coverage on Napa Valley, Robert Parker Wine Advocate wine critic Joe Czerwinski provided new reviews of Kenzo Estate's 2021 vintage prestige reds. Link to the article below, or find the print copy on your newsstand:
RP 96 Points | 2021 Kenzo Estate ai Cabernet Sauvignon, "Drink Date: 2025 - 2045 ... The wine offers up nicely perfumed and fruit-driven aromas of cherries and raspberries, even some stone fruit notes. It's full-bodied, concentrated, ripe and supple, showing ample richness and depth, plus a long, elegant finish. Impressive." purchase ai Cabernet >>
RP 94 Points | 2021 Kenzo Estate murasaki Proprietary Red Blend, "Drink Date: 2025 - 2035 ... A blend of 88% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, it features scents of black cherries, cinnamon and a faintly tomato leaf-like note. It's full-bodied and expansive, softly tannic, then easygoing and supple on the long, mouthwatering finish. One of the top Merlots I recall tasting this year." purchase murasaki >>
Announcing a new wine added to the tasting menu at Kenzo Estate winery, Napa Valley: the exciting 2021 tokika by winemaker Marc Nanes. This luscious red brings fresh attention to the winery's careful blending, barreling & on-property cave-aging program that heightens the wines' nuance and expression. Also new to the Kenzo Estate tasting menu: a Library Vintage of the Prestige Red Blend, murasaki, which is the Right-Bank Bordeaux-style - Merlot-based - red blend that has gained a hearty loyal following, especially as it ages. Now is the time to get back to the Napa Valley estate to get the exclusive tastings, not available anywhere else in the world.
Two reviews by critic Jonathan Cristaldi in Decanter magazine cover the Kenzo Estate ai Cabernet vintages from both 2021 and 2014.
2021 ai | 96 Points - Drinking Window: 2024 - 2044 "A barrel selection blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Barrel aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak. It is a polished and attractive wine with a deep ruby colour, giving way to fantastic aromatics of blueberry, violets, cassis, white pepper, dried wildflowers, and pretty cedarwood nuances. Full-bodied with an opulent mouthfeel framed by satiny, soft, superfine tannins and finishing with exceptional length and freshness fueled by flamed blood orange peel, espresso, and crushed cacao nibs. Marc Nanes is the winemaker, and David Abreu is the vineyard manager. Kenzo Estate is a fantastical mountain estate owned by Kenzo Tsujimoto, a native of Nara, Japan, and the founder of Capcom, one of the world's most successful gaming enterprises. Nestled in the hills above the Napa Valley at 500m, the Kenzo Estate covers an astounding 1500ha, but only 60ha have been planted to vines."
2014 ai | 95 Points - Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034 "Positively dark and brooding at 10 years of age, with spicy Sichuan pepper notes infusing blackberry and toasty cedarwood. Full-bodied and richly layered, it delivers an abundance of dark berry fruits, sweet tobacco, sage, thyme, and even a hint of bacon fat, with a long finish of espresso bean and crushed cocoa nibs. The superfine-grained tannins are firm and well-integrated at this stage. The wine is impressively taut and imbued with freshness. Proprietor Kenzo Tsujimoto collaborates with winemaker Heidi Barrett and viticulturist David Abreu. The blend consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak."
The review is currently available online in the Buying Guide at WineEnthusiast.com, and will be published in the November print edition. Rating: 92 points | 2023 Kenzo Estate yui Rosé. "Strawberries with a savory accent of fresh Italian herbs make this rosé delicious and intriguing. Firm acidity combines with full flavors for a wine with the amplitude and palate-cleansing quality to accompany a meal." — Elaine Chukan Brown
Let the Harvest Begin!
5 am PDT - NAPA VALLEY. The Kenzo Estate 2024 Vintage officially began this morning with David Abreu's vineyard teams fanning out in the Merlot vines located on the estate's Wooden Valley property. Gorgeous ripe clusters of Merlot destined for murasaki and blending into rindo, ai, and possibly even asuka in a small percentage, landed in half-ton bins on the winery's crush pad soon afterward, where they were immediately toasted with a sabrage by Winemaker Marc Nanes.
"It's Harvest 2024 and we're excited to get started. The production crew has done an awesome job to get the winery, sweating it out in 90-degree heat. We're anxious to get started, and taste the fruits of our labor," he said, then commenced sabering a bottle of 2020 ren Semillon sparkling in celebration, in an honorary "blessing of the harvest."
Next up for picking are vineyards selected for rose wine production, including more Merlot, Malbec and possibly Cabernet Franc. Weather on the Estate is somewhat cooler than the Napa Valley floor, and the north end of the valley, and so Harvest is anticipated to last into late October. A current heat spike is helping sugars reach appropriate "brix" for ripeness for fermentation.
With Harvest season fully underway all over Napa Valley, the winery is busy with guest, media and trade visits - wine lovers from far and wide who come to experience the heavy clusters, honest work, and spectacular vistas that come from Napa Valley's exceptional beauty.
The winemaking, tasting salon and vineyard teams at Kenzo Estate congratulate the team at sister restaurant Kenzo Napa as they are awarded their 7th consecutive Michelin star in 2024. Owner & CEO Natsuko Tsujimoto and chef Kenji Miyaishi have been working together delivering exceptional traditional kaiseki menus and service since 2017, when the first Michelin star was awarded. Today, the team is augmented by General Manger Juan Pena, who brings his humble omotenashi to every visit. Congratulations Kenzo team on a year well done and another well deserved accolade! ***To experience Kenzo Napa's exquisite cuisine with Kenzo wines, make an appointment at Kenzo Estate and order the Bento Pairing at least 3 days in advance.
Kenzo Estate is sad to share the news that the architect behind the quiet elegance of the Kenzo Estate winery and tasting room design has passed at the age of 88. His aesthetic that seamlessly incorporated the stunning natural beauty of Napa Valley into its structures is iconic now in the region, bringing the outdoors inside, and preserving the valley's incredible views. Mr Backen is included in the "AD100 Hall of Fame", an elite group of architects selected by Architectural Digest for their influential designs. For more on Mr. Backen's contribution, see the Wine Spectator memorial, published 7.26.2024.
Thank you, Chef! Read Galerie magazine's interview with Chef Thomas Keller of Napa Valley's The French Laundry, where chef reveals his enduring affinity for Kenzo Estate asatsuyu as a stand-out wine from the AVA.
Writer Jennifer Boden corrals a busy Marc Nanes for insight into Kenzo winemaking and running the elite Napa Valley Estate and Winery. Interview appears on BestWineries.com.
6.3.2024 UPDATE: Natsuko & Kenzo Tsujimoto's Kenzo Estate LOT #10 garners a winning bid of $195,000 at the Auction Napa Valley on June 1, 2024. Congratulations to Collective Napa Valley on a successful event raising funds for the children of Napa! Learn more results, total raised and details on participating in next year's Auction weekend (June 6-7, 2025) at CollectiveNapaValley.org
5.31.2024 "Auction Napa Valley" Weekend took place with stunning events on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, including a Napa Valley Vintners Wine Barrel Auction (5/31) and a Dinner Auction (6/1) that organizers hope will garner funds to support Children's Mental Health Initiatives in Napa Valley. Millions have been raised in support of Napa Valley families in the past. Capcom CEO Kenzo Tsujimoto and his wife, the COO of Kenzo Estate winery, Natsuko Tsujimoto, watched bidding on the Auction Napa Valley's 14 wine & experience lots culminate in a LIVE auction. Their LOT 10: "A Global Gastronomy Expedition" is valued at more than $19,000. It includes culinary and cultural experiences in Kyoto, Tokyo and their winery and restaurant in Napa Valley, California. For the kids - bid early! Bid often!
Now Available by Popular Demand. Pair your Kenzo Estate wine tasting with a delectable Japanese tradition, the Bento Box, specially prepared by Michelin Star restaurant Kenzo Napa. Here you will blend Japanese culinary elegance, Kenzo’s exceptional wines, and Napa Valley's natural beauty. Our Bento tasting experience reflects traditional Japanese cuisine and the artistry of kaiseki dining to deliver an incomparable authentic experience. This pairing of fine wine and gourmet food encapsulates the essence of Napa's luxurious offerings, providing an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Reservations are required for this limited-offering experience.
SEE SAMPLE BENTO BOX MENU
Since its debut at the Tokyo Imperial Hotel in 2008, this remarkable Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has captured the admiration of critics and enthusiasts alike. This latest edition of ai is every bit a classic, and it stands as a true testament to its heritage and Napa Valley pedigree. Blended with small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it pays homage to classic, bold Napa Cabs in its rich palate. Celebrating its 12th iteration, here's a glimpse into the history of ai Cabernet:
2008: ai is introduced in a presentation at the Tokyo Imperial Hotel.
2011: Earned 96 points from James Suckling. Read Review
2016: Earned 97 points from James Suckling. Read Review
2022: Achieved a perfect score of 100 points from California Wine Adviser. Read Review
TASTING NOTES & TECH DETAILS -> 2020 Kenzo Estate ai Cabernet Sauvignon
In her weekly wine newsletter, "Winespeed," respected critic Karen MacNeil approaches and dissects Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc wines. MacNeil is the author of the award-winning book, The Wine Bible, now in its third edition with over 800,000 copies in print.
Kenzo Estate asatsuyu: "96 points: Very pure tasting with a precision and freshness that is remarkable. Like an exotic lime tonic. Bursting with energy on the palate, and very elegant."
"Tour-de-force" is just one of the descriptions provided by the collector-reviewers at California Wine Advisors (CWA - "Tasted Blind, No Advertising") in their thrilling review of the 2018 murasaki Proprietary Red Blend, coming from the highly rated Napa Valley vintage and sourced exclusively from the finest barrels of Merlot, Cabernet, and the fine Bordeaux varietals grown on the Estate.
Kenzo Estate is pleased to release the 98-point ("Legendary") review for the 2021 vintage of asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc. "Remarkably fragrant ... What really sets this apart is how elegant and balanced it is. This is an absolute pleasure."
WineTraveler announces "10 Must-Visit Napa Wineries: Boutique & Off-the-Beaten-Path", including Kenzo Estate.
"Japanese tech giant Kenzo Tsujimoto’s obsession with the 1976 Judgement of Paris led him to purchase this breathtaking parcel of land in Napa and has since brought on superstar winemaker Heidi Barrett to craft gorgeous wines available at top restaurants like Per Se.
Kenzo and his wife Natsuko’s heritage is integral to the experience as each wine bears a Japanese name that embodies the concept behind the wine. Sip on Asuka, a Cabernet Franc named for Kenzo’s hometown, or the rose Yui, which means unity. Natsuko has overseen the opening of Kenzo Napa, a sleek Japanese eatery. Visitors to the estate are offered different experiences, the star of which is a tour and wine tasting paired with lunch from Bouchon."
ワイン批評家ヴァージニー ブーンが、Wine Enthusiast 誌 2022年３月号でケンゾーエステイトの藍と紫鈴をレビュー。（現在レビューはオンライン版に掲載）
世界的な競売会社サザビーズのオンラインオークション "Direct from the Cellar" にケンゾーエステイトが出品します。ナパの50のヴィントナーが誇る、唯一無二で類まれなヴィンテージワインで繰り広げられる競売に、ぜひご参加ください。
「California Wine Advisors」が2018「紫鈴」レッドブレンド、2020 「結」ロゼ、2020「あさつゆ」ソーヴィニオンブランに 98 ポイント。詳細はリンクをご覧ください
100ポイント のケンゾーエステイト2018「藍」--「エキゾチックな果実のフレイバーとカシミアのような滑らかさが醸し出す力強さを味わうため、必ず飲まなければならない傑作。この魅惑的な体験を強くお勧めする」
アメリカで旅行者が増えるなか、目的地を探す方々は、この厳選リストにケンゾーエステイトを見つけることでしょう。
Senior Editor MaryAnn Worobiec provides a lilting review of our Sauvignon Blanc, for the Wine Spectator Insider.
"Gorgeously complex," comments Ms. Boone on 2017 murasaki, while 2017 rindo is "weighty and opulent."
ワイン評論家 Virginie Boone が、ケンゾーエステイトの「あさつゆ2019」に96ポイント、「結2019」に93ポイントを付与。
ワイン評論家 Jeb Dunnuck がウェブサイトで「あさつゆ 2018」に91ポイントを付与。
ケンゾーエステイトの「紫」「明日香」「紫鈴」の評が、Wine Enthusiast の「Best of the Year」版に掲載されました。
Wine Enthusiast の評論家 Virginie Boone が2018年の「あさつゆ」に対し賞賛と、今までの同銘柄の最高ポイントを付与しました。
ライターのジル・バースが、世界中から選んだソーヴィニヨンブラン・トップ10の一本に、ケンゾーエステイトのあさつゆを選出。
Newsweek が、ケンゾー エステイトをナパヴァレーの「必ず訪れたいテイスティングルーム」トップ10に選出。
ワインライターのエリン・マッコイが、ケンゾー エステイトのプライベートヴィントナーディナーを、2019年オークションナパヴァレーのお勧めのトップイベントとして紹介。
カリフォルニアワインのレビューアー、ヴァージニー・ブーンが2019年2月号で、ケンゾー エステイトのワイン５本に90ポイント以上を付与。