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
Wild raspberry, sour cherry, violet, clove, nutmeg, and a faint iron-like nuance come together in a cohesive bouquet. The palate is dry and taut, with firm acidity and coating tannins creating a compact structure. The finish carries a pleasant bitterness.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
On the palate, sweetness from both the alcohol and sweet potato adds richness, while the alcohol provides warmth and volume. A well-balanced style combining a low-centered, substantial structure with generous sweet flavors.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
The palate is smooth, with gentle barley sweetness and savory toastiness creating a rich expression. A pleasant bitterness emerges toward the finish, giving the profile excellent focus.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
The palate is light, with flavors reminiscent of green apple and freshly cooked rice. Soft acidity adds definition, reinforcing the fresh and vibrant character.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
The nose is restrained, with distinctive oxidative notes of roasted mandarin peel, roasted almonds, Camembert rind, and white mushroom. The palate is gentle, with moderate alcoholic weight accompanied by flavors of Japanese pear and freshly cooked rice. A deep, grounded umami character develops through the mid-palate, adding volume and depth.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
The palate is mellow and rounded, with ripe melon and gentle spice complemented by pleasant rice-derived umami that adds volume and depth.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
The palate is smooth, with rich rice-derived sweetness and umami coming together in a pleasing balance. A pleasant bitterness on the finish adds definition and keeps the wine focused.
投稿日: 2026年10月10日
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