Maika Yamamoto
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Sommelier
Profile
Born in 1997, Maika Yamamoto began her career as a pastry chef before being captivated by the world of wine, which led her to pursue a path as a sommelier. She joined Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, in 2021 and became a member of the sommelier team in 2023. She won the "Pommery Sommelier Competition 2023" and was a semifinalist in the "10th All Japan Best Sommelier Competition." Maika is also a Certified Advanced Sommelier (CMS).
Reviews
Bright raspberry pink in color. Fresh cranberry, boysenberry, pomegranate, tomato leaf, dried herbs, and delicate spice unfold on the nose. Dry and lively on the palate, with vibrant acidity carrying flavors of pomegranate and tomato leaf. A pleasantly phenolic, bittersweet finish adds structure and persistence.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
Boldly aromatic and spicy from the outset. Roasted sweet potato is joined by coriander, licorice, white pepper, and smoked scallion. A subtle alcohol-derived sweetness opens the palate before layers of spice build in intensity, creating a vibrant, powerful shochu.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
The bouquet is immediately expressive, with yellow apple, Le Lectier pear, grapefruit peel, dried mandarin peel, subtle limestone, and freshly steamed rice. The palate is light and vibrant, revealing pure fruit, honeyed sweetness, and ripe melon before a delicate bitterness gradually appears, carrying the finish beautifully.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
Expressive aromas of green apple, melon, lemon peel, chervil, honeysuckle blossom, and mixed grains fill the glass. Dry on the palate, with gentle bitterness and subtle acidity providing structure before leading into a focused, precise finish.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
Apple, pear, chervil, freshly pounded rice cake, and gentle spice come together in a seamless, understated bouquet. The palate is smooth, with alcohol adding satisfying weight through the mid-palate, while a pleasant bitterness keeps everything in balance. Gentle sweetness lingers gracefully on the finish.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
Aromas of fully ripe sweet melon fill the glass, layered with white flowers, chervil, overripe banana, and star anise. The palate is silky, unfolding into lush melon fruit, followed by gentle rice sweetness and umami reminiscent of soft rice dumplings. The finish is smooth, long, and deeply satisfying.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
Bright aromas of green apple and Setouchi lemon are layered with notes of chervil and freshly pounded rice cake, creating a refreshing, aromatic bouquet. The palate is smooth, with gentle rice sweetness and umami unfolding through the mid-palate, supported by subtle acidity that adds volume and structure. The finish lingers with satisfying rice-derived umami.
投稿日: 2026年07月18日
Fresh red fruit aromas are layered with blackberry, violet, licorice, and a touch of iron, while subtle spice adds depth. On the palate, a smooth texture is supported by acidity as the backbone, with supple tannins giving gentle structure and leading to a soft, elegant finish.
投稿日: 2026年06月03日
Aromas of strawberry jam, Kyoho grape, and herbs, wrapped in a gentle touch of spice. On the palate, juicy strawberry flavors unfold, supported by fresh acidity that provides structure. Very low tannin, with a subtle grip enhancing its refreshing character. Best enjoyed slightly chilled in a casual setting.
投稿日: 2026年06月03日
On the palate, sweetness from the sweet potato and alcohol is complemented by gentle spice, with a mellow texture. A pleasant spicy note emerges toward the finish, carried by the volume of the alcohol into a lingering aftertaste.
投稿日: 2026年06月03日