Ao Yun - Chine 2021
AO YUN, AN EPIC JOURNEY
Ao Yun, the first wine estate of the Himalayas, is born from a dream that began in 2008: to create a unique, world-class fine wine in China. Commissioned by Moët Hennessy, Dr.
Tony Jordan embarked on a journey into the unknown and after 4 years of scouring the vast terrain of China he eventually made it to North Yunnan, where he observed an ideal microclimate for a fine cabernet. With each vintage, the Ao Yun team, led by Estate & Technical Director Maxence Dulou, perpetuates this vision.
Ao Yun lies near the legendary and remote village of Shangri-La, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ao Yun’s vineyards are on the banks of the Mekong River, in the UNESCO-protected area of the Three Parallel Rivers and below the sacred Meili snow mountain (6800m). Each of the 4 villages is spread over complementary altitudes from 2100m to 2600m and has different soils, sun exposure and microclimates.
The 2021 vintage - The driest year since Ao Yun's creation
2021 began with the longest period of drought ever experienced, from the beginning of winter until the end of spring, a time when the subsoil normally needs to recharge its water reserves. Summer finally came as a relief together with healing rainfall which de-stressed the vines and refilled water reserves.
The exceptional warm autumn enabled to fully ripen all the grapes, reaching optimal levels of maturity, even in the highest sites. A rare treat in this cool – sometimes too cool - climate.
Tasting notes
"Gorgeous deep ruby color. The nose opens on a bouquet of wild berries along herbal notes then makes room to blood orange, dry rose, tobacco, spice and incense as it opens up. The palate is medium-bodied, showing impressive density counterbalanced by a weightless feeling and a remarkably vibrant acidity. It can be enjoyed now thanks to velvety and perfectly ripe tannins, which also provide the wine with structure to keep improving with time. This multidimensional experience slowly concludes into a lingering mineral , saline finish. A true meditation wine." Maxence Dulou