2018 Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Tokubetsu Junmai Sake Blend 001 Miyagi (500 mL) 500 ml

We don’t know anyone who understands flavor better than François Chartier.

He’s won the title of World’s Best Sommelier, been tapped by chef Ferran Adrià to develop recipes for legendary restaurant El Bulli, and written award-winning books about the science of food and wine pairing. So you can imagine our excitement when he partnered with Tanaka 1789, one of Japan’s most legendary sake breweries. We were in awe when we tasted the first sake with Chartier’s name on the label: the 2018 Tanaka 1789 x Chartier Junmai Blend 001.

This sake is nothing less than revolutionary, and it’s rare even in Japan, where it’s only available at a few dozen MICHELIN-starred restaurants. The only retail sales in the country are at the brewery’s door.

The practice of blending is fairly new to sake, and the way it’s unlocking the potential of historic breweries is one of the biggest changes in the beverage’s centuries-old history. Chartier is at the forefront, and his Blend 001—which is vintage-dated because it will age like fine wine—is a clear indicator that the world of sake will never be the same.

Tanaka 1789 is one of Japan’s legendary breweries: They made their first batch in the late 18th century and have stood as one of the best ever since. For this collaboration, seven different sakes were brewed, using three different types of rice and three different yeast strains. Each on their own would surely be spectacular, but in the hands of Chartier, they elevate the wine even further. He describes his Blend 001 as “crafted for food,” and it absolutely shines at the table. Pour it like you would the finest white Burgundies.