Owned by LVMH and managed by Jean-Guillaume Prats (formerly of Cos d'Estournel), Ao Yun is made in one of the most remote locations in the world for wine. Translated as "flying above the clouds", the vineyards lie 2500 metres above sea level, a five hour drive from the town of Shangri-La. The winery has been built in the village of Adong, where they have had to install their own road access and electricity on arrival. The vineyards, planted with 95% Cabernet and 5% Merlot, are farmed organically and worked by hand and yak - they are too remote for tractors to reach. The high altitude allows for the grapes to ripen in very high UV levels over a long period given the dry weather. Harvested in November, the 2013 is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wine spent 3 months in 100% new oak following 9 months in amphora and tank. Total production is 2000 cases, with half of that going directly to the Chinese market, leaving just 1000 cases for the rest of the world. Deep ruby in colour, there are notes of cassis, dried herbs, black cherry and light vanilla on the nose. The palate is concentrated with black fruits and supple tannins. There is fresh acidity to balance the ripe black cherry and damson fruit, with a touch of graphite and pepper bringing more savoury notes. The finish is long and pure with classic Cabernet Sauvignon cassis flavour.
Rich, ripe black fruits the nose has depth the palate concentration of flavour black plums, liquorice, black cloves and dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but fine, velvet smooth in the middle but at the back there is freshness, bilberry and bramble, graphite, aromatic and herbal but it finishes with ripe cassis and black cherry. 2016-30
This 2013 Ao Yun is a new star of China! The vineyard is backed by LVMH in Shangri-La, at the edge of the Himalayas. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates this wine with 90%, the other 10% is Cabernet Franc. 2013 is the first vintage. It is opaque, with a very deep ruby color. Elegant and restrained in style, it reveals scents of bell pepper, blackcurrant, prune and blackberry with subtle hints of dark chocolate, clove, tobacco and licorice. Refreshing on the palate, full-bodied and with very silky tannins, it has great concentration, perfect structure and a very long finish. Tasting date: May 17, 2017. Alcohol level: 15%. Drink Date 2018 - 2030
