J Times article on Japanese wines at
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fg20091113fh.html

This caught my eye
"There was one pleasant surprise left for me at the tasting, however;
Suzuran Winery made an excellent Merlot (??1,800). A whiff of burned
leaves leads you into good strong oak flavors supported by balanced
tannins, and a tiny hint of strawberries added just the right daub of
bright color to this somber wine."

Anyone ever heard of Suzuran?

Mike