2014 Ao Yun
Buying options
Tasting Notes
The Cabernet Franc shines through on the nose, delivering a fragrant lift, smoke and mineral notes; almost St Emilion-esque. The palate is packed with lush black fruit and a clean, refreshing acidity that further heightens the sense of vibrancy. Softer and riper tannins than the first vintage, but there is serious power, rich concentration and a lovely mouthfeel. Exemplary balance and good length on the finish. Three months in earthenware jars and a ratcheting up of the barrel influence have really enhanced the complexity. Decanter’s John Stimpfig said of Ao Yun’s first vintage that to his palate "it had elements of Napa, Bierzo, the Languedoc and even Bordeaux", the same is very much true of the latest release; it is truly unique and near impossible to place.
The Cabernet Franc shines through on the nose, delivering a fragrant lift, smoke and mineral notes; almost St Emilion-esque. The palate is packed with lush black fruit and a clean, refreshing acidity that further heightens the sense of vibrancy. Softer and riper tannins than the first vintage, but there is serious power, rich concentration and a lovely mouthfeel. Exemplary balance and good length on the finish. Three months in earthenware jars and a ratcheting up of the barrel influence have really enhanced the complexity. Decanter’s John Stimpfig said of Ao Yun’s first vintage that to his palate "it had elements of Napa, Bierzo, the Languedoc and even Bordeaux", the same is very much true of the latest release; it is truly unique and near impossible to place. Sep 2017, FINE+RARE
More reviews and scores
<strong>Appearance</strong>: Intense,deep dark colour.<br><br><strong>Nose</strong>: Multi layer identity. We feel the spice with cinnamon/liquorice, the freshness with mint/cedarwood, the earth with leather/humus, the mineral with graphite/lead pencil and red fruit with cherry/blackcurrant.<br><br><strong>Palate</strong>: Dry, medium to full body the palate offers a long and polished tannic structure. Confirming the nose with a myriad of refreshing, fruity and mineral notes as peony, seaweed, wild black raspberry and graphite. Superb balance between minerality/acidity and sweetness/alcohol.<br><br><strong>General</strong>: Complexity, freshness, elegance and subtle tannins make up the unique character of this new Himalayan terroir.
About the producer
Ao Yun – translating literally as “flying above the clouds” – is China’s most famous wine estate. Owned by Moët Hennessy, the aim was to produce a world-class fine wine that was the first Himalayan “grand cru”. The first vintage was 2013, released in 2016.