THANK YOU! Six Cloves 🇯🇵 | Japanese Winemaker & Michelin Pinot | See you at BD18!

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 15, 2026, 1:07am

SIX CLOVES: <500 CASES PRODUCED | POURED AT MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS | JAPANESE HERITAGE X CALIFORNIA

BERSERKERDAY 17 IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED

To the Berserker Community: Thank you for the overwhelming support this year. I am truly humbled by the number of new friends and returning customers who filled my inbox and order sheets.

Did you miss the sale? While BD17 pricing has ended, you can always visit us to explore our current releases. Visit Six Cloves Wines Official Website Follow the journey: @sixcloveswines

WELCOME TO BERSERKERDAY 17!

To my long-time supporters: welcome back! To those who are visiting Six Cloves for the first time: welcome to this thread!

I am Sonoe Hirabayashi, the owner and winemaker behind Six Cloves. My winemaking philosophy is rooted in my hometown of Nagano, Japan , where my family has practiced the art of fermentation—specifically miso and sake—for generations. I left a career in accounting to pursue a singular goal: creating California wines that speak with the same precision and balance found in traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Why BD17 offers are rare: I produce less than 500 cases annually. Six Cloves are primarily found in:

Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end hotels in Japan & California
Select premium shops in CA, DC & TX

BerserkerDay is one of the few times a year I open my cellar for direct shipping nationwide.

The Reality of Organic Farming

I believe in winemaking with intention. I work exclusively with 100% Organic trusted producers (like Steve Matthiasson’s Linda Vista Chardonnay) because I care deeply about low-intervention methods. However, the reality of 2026 is that organic farming costs 10-20% more. Paying attention to growing pristine grapes requires immense effort from people who truly care.

I skipped harvesting my flagship Linda Vista Chardonnay last year because the costs felt impossible to maintain. But because of the support of this community, I am able to continue. All my wines are made with great intention, and I am honored to share them with you.

READ MY FULL STORY ON BOLD JOURNEY HERE.

BERSERKER DAY OFFERS

All offers include FREE SHIPPING (excluding AK/HI; no shipping to UT).

Offer 1: Six Cloves Omakase (6-Pack): Most Popular Set of BD17

“Omakase” means “I’ll leave it up to you.” This is truly the best way to experience Six Cloves. I have tiny amounts of library gems—like the 2022 Chardonnay, the 2022 Zinfandel, and a single case of the stunning 2020 Chardonnay—that are so good but simply too limited to list as individual offers.

This is the perfect way to let me personally pick a selection for you at our deepest discount of the year.

Please leave a note at checkout if you prefer Red or White heavy set if you have preference!

Regular Price: Up to $366
BerserkerDay Price: $245 (Up to 40% OFF) — Shipping Included

CLICK HERE TO LET SONOE PICK YOUR OMAKASE

Offer 2: Beni Choji Red Blend 2.0 – The Berserker Exclusive

Producing wines from organically farmed grapes at an affordable price is incredibly challenging with today’s rising costs. But, it was important to me to find a way to give back to my clients so you can enjoy our style more casually.

I created Beni Choji last year to solve this, and it became a huge hit! Beni Choji 2.0 is the revival of that project—a special “Thank You” to the BD community. Sourced from elite high-elevation sites (DuPratt and Alder Springs), this Pinot/Grenache blend is built for your table tonight.

2025 Beni Choji Red Blend 2.0 (BD Exclusive Release) x 6

Regular Price: $306
BerserkerDay Price: $190 (38% OFF) — Shipping Included

Case Special: Add 2 sets to your cart and get an automatic $20 DISCOUNT!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER BENI CHOJI

Offer 3: The Linda Vista “Evolution” 6-Pack

Quantity: Only 5 Sets Left*

Maintaining our flagship Chardonnay has been a battle against rising costs. This “Evolution” set represents the peak of what we’ve achieved with Steve Matthiasson’s organic fruit. Tasting these side-by-side is a masterclass in why organic farming—despite the cost—is worth every penny.

2022 Linda Vista Chardonnay x 2: A warmer vintage showcasing bright pink grapefruit acidity and a creamy, round finish.
2023 Linda Vista Chardonnay x 2: A cool, classic vintage with balanced citrus, minerality, and tension.
2024 Linda Vista Chardonnay x 2: The fresh release! Crisp acidity and expressive citrus notes, aged in French oak for texture.

Regular Price: $320
BerserkerDay Price: $270 (30% OFF) — Shipping Included

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE EVOLUTION TRIO

Offer 4: New Vintage Trio 2024 (3-Pack)

The perfect “Add-On.” Be the first to taste our newest fabulous 2024 vintage releases!

Read the Reviews:

-Check out the fresh preview notes from @Noah_C: Tasting Notes for three 2024s from Six Cloves
-See @Brian_Tuite’s review of the Cab: TN: 2024 Six Cloves Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Storn Barn Vineyard

2024 Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay x 1
2024 Alder Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir x 1
2024 Storn Barn Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon x 1

Regular Price: $213
BerserkerDay Price: $155 (28% OFF) — Shipping Included

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE DISCOVERY TRIO

Offer 5.“Time & Terroir” Vintage Explorer**

Status: LIVE NOW | Only 6 Sets Available!

A comprehensive side-by-side exploration of our key vineyard sites across two dynamic vintages. Compare the cool-climate tension of 2023 against the fresh release of 2024 across Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino terroirs.

2023 Linda Vista Chardonnay (Napa) x 1
2023 Buf Wehr Pinot Noir (Ranch Russian River Valley) x 1
2023 Castanon Zinfandel (Redwood Valley) x 1
2024 Linda Vista Chardonnay x 1
2024 Alder Springs Pinot Noir (Mendocino) x 1
2024 Stone Barn Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley) x 1

Regular Price: $386
BerserkerDay Price: $260 (33% OFF) — Shipping Included

CLICK HERE TO ORDER TIME AND TERROIR

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

States: We ship to 47 states (Excluding UT. Inquire for AK/HI rates) by FedEx or GLS. If you’re in AK or HI and want to place an order, please reach out to me at shirabayashi@sixcloveswines.com or comment on this thread. I’ll do my best to accommodate your request!
Timing: Shipping begins mid-February and continues through the end of April, weather permitting. (Note: Since some of offers includes new releases, shipment may be timed with spring bottling schedules).
Pro-Tip: " Business addresses are highly recommended " for smoother delivery.
Insurance: The cost of grapes and materials continues to rise, but I’ve worked hard to maintain similar discounts to those offered by other BerserkerDay wineries. To help manage costs, shipments will be sent uninsured unless you request insurance (available at cost).

DETAILED SIX CLOVES WINE LIST & REVIEWS

CHARDONNAY

2018 Linda Vista Vineyards (Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley): Flavor profile of toasted nuts and Granny Smith apples with high-toned acidity reflecting the unique Olmo clone.CT 90 pts
2019 Linda Vista Vineyards (Napa Valley): Flavors of fresh herbs, toasted hazelnut, and Meyer lemon with lingering citrusy acidity; drinking beautifully now. CT 91.4 pts
2021 Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino County): High-altitude terroir shines with aromas of white flowers and tangerine zest, finishing with vibrant Meyer lemon acidity. WE 94 pts
2022 Linda Vista Vineyards (Napa Valley): A warmer vintage showcasing bright pink grapefruit acidity, hints of guava, and a creamy, round finish. WE 90 pts
2023 Linda Vista Vineyards (Napa Valley): Highlights the Olmo clone’s authenticity with balanced citrus and minerality from a cool vintage. CT 90 pts
2024 Linda Vista Vineyards (Napa Valley): Crisp acidity and expressive citrus notes from the Olmo clone, aged in French oak to enhance texture. @Brian_Tuite Review

PINOT NOIR

2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast): Sourced from Petaluma Gap’s Martini and Swan clones, this wine highlights savory notes and black fruit flavors. CT 90.5 pts
2021 Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino County): Features silky tannins, savory umami, and elegant coastal forest aromas from a mix of destemmed and whole-cluster fermentation. WE 94 pts
2022 Buf-Wehr Ranch (Russian River Valley): Offers red fruit flavors, rosemary, and thyme aromas with lingering clove spice from a small organic vineyard.WE 90 pts
2023 Buf-Wehr Ranch (Russian River Valley): Cooler vintage expression offering bright red fruit, savory spice notes, and earthy complexity. WE 94 pts , @Noah_C Review
2024 Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino): High-elevation freshness with spice and dark fruit character from a blend of clones including 459 and Swan. CT Rating

ZINFANDEL & RED BLENDS

2022 Castanon Vineyards Zinfandel (Redwood Valley, Mendocino County):Fresh and approachable claret-style Zinfandel with flavors of strawberries and mocha balanced by medium acidity. WE 92 pts
2023 Castanon Vineyards Zinfandel (Mendocino): Reflects Redwood Valley’s red soils with flavors of red berries and subtle spice, highlighted by partial whole-cluster fermentation. WE 90
2024 Storn Barn Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma Valley): Classic Sonoma Valley expression with layers of red and dark fruits, softened tannins, and a silky texture. CT Rating

FROM NAGANO TO SONOMA: THE STORY OF SIX CLOVES

My journey didn’t start in a vineyard—it started in a corporate accounting office in New York City. But my soul was always rooted in fermentation.

I grew up in Nagano, Japan, among 4th-generation apple farmers and artisans of sake and miso. That heritage of “Mountain Soul” and extreme precision eventually pulled me away from the CPA track. I traded my calculator for pruning shears, earned my degree from UC Davis, and honed my craft alongside mentors like Steve Matthiasson and Ted Lemon (Littorai).

Why “Six Cloves”? It is a tribute to my family’s century-old medicinal herb business in Japan. Their logo was a six-petaled clove flower, representing balance and healing. Today, I apply that same search for balance to California fruit, bridging Japanese elegance with the sunny California vineyards.

My Winemaking Philosophy:
I make “Gastronomic Wines” in the truest sense. I crave high-acid, lower-alcohol, and food-friendly profiles. I am deeply honored that my wines have earned spots, such as at the 2-Michelin Star Harbor House Inn in California and Janu Tokyo in Japan last year.

Whether it is my “miracle” Pinot/Grenache blend or my Old Vine Zinfandel, these wines are crafted by a chef’s palate—meant to be elegant, nuanced, and shared over a long meal. I am a small, independent producer, and your support here on BerserkerDay is what allows me to keep this cross-cultural dream alive.

THE AFTERTHOUGHT

Participating in BerserkerDay means a great deal to me, especially as I look toward the horizon. 2026 will mark my 10th vintage with Six Cloves, a milestone that feels both surreal and deeply rewarding.

But today is about more than just my own milestone; it is about this incredible community. For small, independent producers, finding a space to connect directly with passionate wine lovers is a rare gift. Wine Berserkers provides that home.

By being here, you give a voice to artisans who farm their own grapes and drive their own trucks. You are the reason real, handcrafted wine continues to thrive in California and beyond. On behalf of all the small producers filling up your feed today: thank you for your curiosity, your support, and for keeping our dreams alive.

With deepest gratitude,

Kampai!

Sonoe Hirabayashi
Six Cloves Wines

Patrick_Taylor · January 29, 2026, 3:29pm

Buy with confidence! Check out this review from @Noah_C

Hi everyone,

BerserkerDay is here! It’s time to post some Six Cloves wine reviews! Sonoe will be offering her wines again, and over the years, I’ve become a big fan. Here are reviews of a few 2024s.

Linda Lista Chardonnay

Definite Chablis vibes. Even just on the nose, the minerals and chalkiness really jump out of the glass There’s lovely lemon drop fruit here as well, but to me, the minerals are the star of the show. The more I sniff, I detect an underlying spearmint aroma in the background that compliments the chalk nicely.

A bit fuller in the mouth than expected from the nose alone. It’s light in body but has just enough creaminess to make it approachable. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still lean, it’s just not quite the teeth-melter that Chablis can sometimes be. There’s plenty of lemon, mixed citrus zest, a little spice, even some creme fraiche type flavors- and they all work well together. But the star for me here is the texture. Very young, approachable now, will improve for a while yet. Lovely.

Alder Springs Pinot

Pale garnet in the glass. You can tell just by looking how delicately the fruit has been handled. The word that comes to mind when smelling this wine is “pretty”. But pretty doesn’t mean weak! It’s very aromatic, a little bit spicy, full of just-ripened raspberries and red cherries. There are also intriguing herbal aromas, a little bit of Campari (!), that come with air. What a nose!

Whoa- surprisingly savory in the mouth! There are the red fruits, nice florals, the pinch of spice that you expect from Pinot made with a light touch. But this is no easy-going Pinot from sunny California chock full of sweet fruit. Instead, this is a cool damp forest. I know this comes from California, but the flavors remind me of hiking in the temperate rain forests of the Oregon coast. This is altogether different than that typical California Pinot- it’s quieter, more serious. It takes, and rewards, attention. Already beautiful with plenty of runway to grow into something even greater. My favorite of the three.

Storn Barn Cabernet Sauvignon

I didn’t know 12.5ABV Cabernet was still possible in California! I’m kidding, but seriously, this level of restraint is becoming increasingly rare.

Super young looking in the glass; opaque deep purple with a magenta rim. Fruits dominate the nose; dark ripe cherries, Concord grapes*, cassis, violets, a little lavender. A very primary, but really gorgeous, bouquet. A rambunctious youth in the mouth; light in body, medium high in acidity, such a lively character full of fruit that is unapologetically delicious. Nonetheless, under the fruit, there is some structure, the bones of tannins, that make me think this wine could age for at least a little while and be the better for it.

I had the opportunity to correspond with winemaker, Sonoe, and she described this wine as “honest”. I didn’t know what she meant until I popped the cork. Now I get it; there is no makeup here; no oaky flavors or fancy cellar tricks. I can’t quite put my finger on quite how, but this feels like pure fruit transmitting a great terroir into the glass. Nothing more nothing less. This is designed to be impressive, or even super serious, but honest. Low intervention in the best sense of the word. Excited to see what this develops into.

*Concord grapes get a bad wrap in wine circles because they make crappy wine. But they are absolutely delicious fresh and I look forward to Concord grape season every fall when I eat them by the carton-full.

Happy BerserkerDay!

JonathanG · January 29, 2026, 3:42pm

either I’m too late or the link isn’t working for Offer 1. If its not working please hold one for me!!!

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 3:47pm

bare with me? somehow the product is gone from the web. I am recreating it!

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 3:52pm

Sorry about the problem! Somehow it got deleted from the web as I was editing the product… I brought it back in.
Please access from here!

DonnaM · January 29, 2026, 3:57pm

I had the same thought - are the Chardonnay vertical packs gone already?? Glad I came back to check and snagged one!

JonathanG · January 29, 2026, 3:57pm

works now

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 4:01pm

sorry @DonnaM !
I don’t know what happened, but as I was editing, it must have gotten deleted from the product list for some reasons.Tthe link is back on the sales site!

Here is the Preview Day Sales Main Link that you can shop other offers all together.

Enjoy shopping on BD17!

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 4:02pm

Thanks for waiting @JonathanG ! Offer is back online & welcome back!!

Robert_Ferguson · January 29, 2026, 4:15pm

Ordered the Chardonnay pack.

Had the 2020 Linda Vista this week and it was amazing!

Jeonmin · January 29, 2026, 4:22pm

Ordered offer 1! Excited to try your wines for the first time

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 4:39pm

Thanks so much for grabbing the set, @Robert_Ferguson!

Yes, the 2020 is still drinking great, with a touch of reductiveness that many of my Champagne-specialist friends really love in this vintage. I just opened a 2018 recently in Tokyo, and it was still showing beautifully.

I’m down to just one set left at the moment, as I don’t have much of the 2018 remaining, but I hope you enjoy every bottle.

Cheers, and enjoy BD17!

Brian_Tuite · January 29, 2026, 4:43pm

Buy with confidence! I was a newbie taster for Sonoe and 6 Cloves in a Tom Hill kinda way. From the beginning and I’ve had the pleasure of tasting every vintage since.. She has such a unique take on every wine she makes, bringing all the mineral, spice and floral aspects the grape to the forefront with minimal alcohol and a delicate palate. Her wines scream for food pairings and extended sideways time while remaining fresh and drinkable now. Don’t sleep on these.

2024 Six Cloves Wines Chardonnay Linda Vista Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District (11/4/2025)
Opened and followed over the course of the evening. Pale straw color, nose is a mixture of pear and lemon lime with loads of crushed stone/oyster shell minerality and tropical flowers. Delicate and intriguing, I just kept sticking my nose in the glass. This would be a great base for a sparkling wine. The palate is broad and creamy without being heavy. Mouth coating with notes of grapefruit, banana, lemon curd and lanolin. Very Chablis-like, focused and pleasing. There’s lip smacking acidity, more minerality and a saline note. The grapefruit and pith carry through the finish. A very even keeled wine that would be very food friendly. This wine reminds me a lot of the ‘22 Linda Vista with its creaminess and laser focus. Just love what she’s doing with this vineyard
- 2024 Six Cloves Wines Pinot Noir Alder Springs Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County (10/23/2025)
  Followed over two nights. On day 1 this was very lean and delicate. The extra air did it well. Pours light garnet similar to the ‘21. Nose overnight went from light cranberry and sandalwood to spiced cherry and dried rose petals. Cherry, red raspberry, crunchy and lifted with medium-plus body and loads of spice. This wine is packed with structure and will need time to loosen up and allow the chewy firm tannins to soften a bit but all the components are there. Excited to see where this goes.
  - 2023 Six Cloves Wines Zinfandel Castanon Vineyards - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County (10/21/2025)
    Transparent cranberry red, loving the rustic earthy Zinberry nose. More cranberry, strawberry rhubarb and dusty road. Light bodied and fresh, think Beaujolais Nouveau. The fruit dances on the tongue, lifted by the bright acidity but then fades away leaving a chalky tannin that dominates the finish. Reminiscent of the Bedrock Zinfandel Nouveau of a decade ago. Where the previous vintage of this wine exhibited a nice aging structure this one seems more geared for the now. Would be a great pairing for Pepperoni Pizza. Enjoyed it this evening with Chili. The tannins cut through the fat and the bright fruit complimented the spice of the dish. Fun wine.
  - 2024 Six Cloves Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Storn Barn Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (12/14/2025)
    Pre-release sample from the winemaker. Pop n pour, the color matches the label, deep magenta with a neon purple rim. Color really pops! Nose is loaded with cassis and black currant. First sip is a surprisingly lifted black cherry, black raspberry, just a wonderfully fresh fruit profile reminiscent of Sonoe’s other reds. Juicy, fresh, invigorating, lively, enter adjective here, yet not heavy in any way. Neutral oak is letting the fruit take center stage. Dusty tannins quickly overtake that lovely fruit but I feel it has much more to offer if I’m patient. Need to give this a lot more air.
    Yeah, it takes quite some time to fully open up. Today is day 9 and it has really blossomed. I checked it on day 5 and it was still quite austere. It has now picked up body, texture, depth and the fruit has rounded out. The tannins are still quite young so this has some great aging potential. The contrast between pop-n-pour and day 9 is striking. Really nice bottle.

Posted from CellarTracker

chris.connolly · January 29, 2026, 4:59pm

Always my first purchase every year! The chardonnay vertical is consistently amazing

Jeonmin · January 29, 2026, 5:14pm

Placed a second order!

John_Telford · January 29, 2026, 5:15pm

Order in!

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 5:17pm

Happy BerserkerDay, everyone!

Thank you for visiting the Six Cloves Preview Day thread.

I’ve prepared a number of special sets just for today. The most popular Chardonnay vertical unfortunately sold out quickly, but I’ve created a new replacement set by swapping the 2018 vintage for the new 2024 Chardonnay. This updated set is limited to 6 sets.

I also want to offer a sincere apology to anyone who may have missed out at the 7:30 AM opening due to the technical issue that briefly affected access to the link. This replacement set is especially for those of you who were impacted.

BD17 GRAND CRU CHARDONNAY VERTICAL 2.0 (6-PACK)

Enjoy BerserkerDay, and I hope to see everyone having fun today and tomorrow!

ScottBaker · January 29, 2026, 5:40pm

I liked the wines so much from the mini BD in July that I’m ordering more! Thanks for being here!

Sonoe_Hirabayashi · January 29, 2026, 5:48pm

Hi all!

"A quick note on Offer 3 (The Pinot Vertical):

I realized I didn’t share much context on why I’m so excited about this specific 4-pack. These aren’t just random vintages; they are the bottles I usually hold back for special placements because they show the best of what we do.

For example, the 2023 Buf-Wehr Russian River Valley (WE 94 pts) is a personal favorite right now—it was actually picked up by the Harbor House Inn (2 Michelin stars) for their list and poured by the glass because of its balance. The 2018 Sonoma Coast & 2021 Alder Springs (WE 94 pts) was enjoyed at Peter Luger & Wolfgang Steak House in Japan, which was a proud moment for a small brand like Six Cloves.

I only have enough library stock left to put together 6 of these sets before I have to close the cellar door on these vintages. If you enjoy cool-climate Pinot with a bit of age and proven pedigree, I think you’ll really find a lot to love here."

JohnMag · January 29, 2026, 5:59pm

I’m in for -of course - the Chard vertical 2.0. Sonoe, you’ll see a second order for the Pinot 4 pack. I thought twice and realized passing up those library PN would be an act of stupidity.

For those who haven’t tried Six Cloves, these are a must have. I’ll copy my CT review of the wine that just sold me on the whole project, the sublime 2019 Linda Vista Chardonnay.

What really struck me about this wine was that it allowed you to see into its future: wildly disparate notes that would fire at random — stern pith/granite minerality, green apples, anise (?), dark spice ( allspice, yeah, even cloves - although maybe that was just the label suggesting it). You can see exactly how these elements will all come together in time. This was a wine that told you in no uncertain terms that you have opened it too soon. It’s enjoyable now with a little air but … this has the transformative potential for greatness in a few years.
Very far from a ho hum “good value” CA chard — this has a challenging and initially almost confrontational acidic spine and drive. It’s an intriguing mix of raw power and incipient sophistication. Quite a bit of reduction at first. Matched with some challenging cheese and this wine rose to the occasion. I would love to see what this wine does in about 3-5 years.
Score: 93. Relative to expectations: ++

A day later and had the rest of the bottle. This confirms yesterday’s suspicion that this wine has a glorious future ahead of it. All the elements assembled for a classic, restrained, elegant rendition of CA chard. Since age in the cellar is almost always better than forcing it with a day in an evacuated bottle, I bet this will be far more complex in about 4-5 years than it is now even with air. This is steely, nervy chard Adding a point for obvious potential.
Score: 94. Relative to expectations: ++