IWA 5 ASSEMBLAGE 4
JAPAN
Why Buy: When Wine Spectator christened IWA "a sake for wine lovers," we took notice. When we learned that the man behind the brand was none other than Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon's chef de cave of 28 years, we began to salivate. And when we were given our first taste of IWA 5 Assemblage 4 well, we were absolutely blown away. This is a sake of jaw-dropping singularity, a junmai daiginjo that, much like the cuvées Geoffroy produced at Dom Pérignon, is composed of intricate and exquisite blends of nearly 40 individual and reserve sakes from previous iterations, and aged for a minimum 15 months before release. When you sit back to sip it, you’re doing more than just indulging in something rare and unique — more, even, than just enjoying a sake of uncommon complexity and distinction; you’re getting a thrilling glimpse of the industry’s future.
Our Tasting Notes: A sake of miraculous balance and unfathomable complexity: so rich yet, astonishingly, so weightless. With each sip, you marvel anew at the extraordinary coherence and harmony on display here — no individual element stands out, all are integrated so seamlessly and perfectly. A sake like no other — one that leaves you feeling grateful and even, yes, giddy.
The Story: After 28 years defining the style of Champagne's most iconic wine, Richard Geoffroy wasn't finished innovating. At 64, he embarked on an ambitious new chapter: creating a sake that would speak to both tradition and possibility. Working with master sake brewer (or toji) Masato Yabuta, Geoffroy brought his blending expertise to bear on Japan's signature beverage. "He saw parallels between sake and wine,” Wine Spectator wrote. “Origin and terroir, fermentation and blending, tradition and innovation.” Geoffroy's approach was revolutionary: where traditional sake production typically works with single batches, Geoffroy and Yabuta employ five different sake and wine yeast strains and three different styles of yeast starters – a complexity of production virtually unheard of in sake making, and one that initially brought out the skeptics in Japan and in the industry. But no one is doubting him now. And the critics have been in a deep swoon. "A remarkable sake," Jay McInerney wrote in Town & Country. "Somehow seamless, faintly sweet with a silky texture."
The Bottling: IWA 5 releases a new and unique Assemblage annually, much like a vintage wine. Each Assemblage, or blend, is created at Shiraiwa (meaning white rock in Japanese), IWA’s own, Kengo Kuma designed brewery, located in the foothills of Toyama, Japan. The current release, IWA 5 – Assemblage 4 was blended and bottled in the spring of 2022, as is detailed on the back of the sleek bottle, designed by Marc Newson, also known as the creative mind behind the Apple Watch.
ABV: 15%.
Fun Fact: Before crafting some of the world's most celebrated Champagnes at Moët & Chandon, Geoffroy worked as a medical doctor – making IWA 5 the third chapter of his professional life.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your sake will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer only valid in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, NJ, NV, TX, & WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, December 15th, 2024.