Millesimes Japan

Established in 1986, Millesimes Japan is among the country's oldest and largest privately held, fine-wines importers.  Millesimes Japan started by first establishing the Academie Du Vin Japan under licenses from the original school in Paris, France evolving into a full importer through the education and training of young somelliers and wine aficionados here in Japan. Millesimes today specializes in fine wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.  Shizen brand Koshu is also an original Millesimes varietal.

Headed by proprietor Ernest Singer, a 50-year resident of Japan, Millesimes is closely affiliated with several Grand Cru and first-growth wineries of Bordeaux along with wines of exceptional quality and stature from each of the countries represented in the summary above.

Ernie is also Robert Parker Jr.'s representative for Asia. He has brought Mr. Parker to Japan, Korea, China, and Singapore more recently as the knowledge and appreciation of fine wines has grown throughout the region.  Millesimes has also translated several of Mr. Parker's books on wine into Japanese and continues to host the eRobertParker website in Japanese as well.

Since 2005 Millesimes has spearheaded the Koshu Wine project establishing the credentials of the grape through DNA verification at the University of California Davis bringing renewed interest in Japanese wines worldwide. Currently they are pioneering VSP cultivation of the koshu throughout Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Nagano prefectures to improve the quality and complexity of the varietal helping to bring it to the attention of international wine critics and on the "watch list" for foodies worldwide!