Sansho Eel paired with asuka - the unique expression of Kenzo Estate's asuka Cabernet Franc demands an uncommon dish to highlight the wine's bright notes and silky undertones. Here, Kenzo Napa chef Kenji Miyaishi demonstrates a simple, yet extraordinary Japanese recipe with ingredients that are actually fairly easy to access across the US, either via a local market or via online seafood purveyors. Fresh burdock root, a more unusual ingredient, may be substituted with carrots (sweeter) or radishes, but if it can be found, there are terrific health benefits to burdock root.
"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."
Heidi Barrett steps down after 19 years; Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto, owners and CEO & COO, appoint Marc Nanes to Winemaker role.
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."
In support of the Napa Valley Vintners, Kenzo Estate was honored to contribute to the Direct from the Cellar auction Lot #21: "A Majestic Offering: 2008-2018 murasaki Vintage Vertical." This is a once-in-a-lifetime collection of the "Prestige" Proprietary Red Blend, in rare 1.5L/magnum format bottles, exclusively sourced from the Estate vines planted and cultivated by David Abreu, and brilliantly blended by one of Napa's most heralded winemakers, Heidi Barrett. Heritage and pedigree cannot be denied.
The auction concluded on February 5, 2022 with a final sales price of $7560. In 2021, for the Direct from the Cellar auction, a rindo vertical lot from Kenzo Estate brought in over $14,000 for the fundraiser.
The balance of the nearly 100 Collector's-envy lots included a dazzling array of exquisite wines from Napa Valley's finest vintners and labels, including Harlan, Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Scarecrow, and many more.
Wine critic Virginie Boone reviews Kenzo Estate's ai Cabernet and rindo Red Blend in the March 2022 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine (reviews currently published online).
Kenzo Estate invites fans and friends of Napa Valley wines to take part in the exclusive wine auction highlighting unique and exciting vintages from more than 50 vintners - the "Direct from the Cellar" online auction via famed auction house, Sotheby's.
California Wine Advisors rates 3 Kenzo Estate wines 98 points, including 2018 rindo Red Blend, 2020 yui Rosé, 2020 asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc. Details in the link.
100 Points, 2018 Kenzo ai Cabernet: "A masterpiece that must be tasted to believe the intensity of exotic fruit flavors and cashmere-like texture ... a captivating experience we highly recommend." Click the link for the full review.
As travel picks up in the US, those searching for where to go will find Kenzo Estate on this elite shortlist.
"The Essence of Elegance: Kenzo Estate" by Fran Miller profiles the winery, estate and its principals: Kenzo & Natsuko Tsujimoto
World-class Michelin-star Chef Laurent Gras shares his elegant culinary approach to Japanese Wagyu beef which combines European and Japanese cuisine culture. In this video, Chef Gras cures, dices and sears Wagyu beef using Kombu, house-made chili miso, coffee, cocoa to enhance its luxurious flavor; served with Kenzo Estate wines.
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."
Since 1979, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report has been the professional go-to reference for exceptional experiences around the world. Read this month's coverage on Kenzo Estate and Kenzo Napa restaurant here, and subscribe to view their top-notch Napa Valley recommendations online at www.HideawayReport.com.
Wine critic Virginie Boone awards 96 points to Kenzo Estate 2019 asatsuyu Sauvignon Blanc, and 93 points to yui rosé
Nominated among the best winery tours in the USA, fans and friends are invited to vote online for Kenzo Estate, Napa Valley, as "Best Winery Tour". Winners are included in the "10Best" edition of the USAToday publication.
Wine critic Jeb Dunnuck, on his website, reviews the 2018 asatsuyu vintage in "Napa Valley's '17s", giving it 91 points.
Wine Enthusiast magazine rated Kenzo Estate's murasaki, asuka and rindo in its "Best of the Year" edition.
Wine Enthusiast critic Virginie Boone reviewed the 2018 vintage of asatsuyu, providing a generous description and the label's best rating yet.
Writer Jill Barth names Kenzo Estate's asatsuyu as a global pick for Sauvignon Blanc sipping in August.
Newsweek names Kenzo Estate a Top10 Must-Visit Napa Valley tasting room.
Wine writer Elin MCoy names her top event picks over the 2019 Auction Napa Valley weekend, including Kenzo Estate's private vintner dinner.
California Reviewer Virginie Boone scores five Kenzo Estate wines 90-plus points in the February, 2019 issue.
CBS correspondent Wendy Gillette visits wine country, including Kenzo Estate, one year after the wildfires.
CNN & KPMG’s “The Entrée” visits Kenzo Estate to discuss global trade over wine and culinary bites from Kenzo Napa.
Kenzo Estate and Kenzo Napa are highlighted as buzz-worthy wine country destinations influenced by Japanese culture.
The popular, long-standing wine country lifestyle guide features Kenzo Estate and Kenzo Napa as bucket list visitation spots.