Region and Vineyards
Carved into the foothills of the Meili Snow Mountains, the Ao Yun vineyards span the villages of Xidang, Sinong, Shuori and Adong between roughly 2,200-2,600 m. High diurnal range, intense UV light and a prolonged season build colour, fine tannin and aromatic lift while preserving acidity. The terraces sit on well-drained alluvial-colluvial soils; steep gradients and narrow rows demand meticulous handwork, with irrigation guided by snowmelt and careful water management.
In 2020, a dry, warm season ripened each altitude band cleanly. The grand vin drew 72% of its fruit from the two coolest, highest villages—Adong and Shuori—balancing richness with freshness. Harvest unfolded over about 51 days, parcel by parcel, at low yields (≈16 hL/ha), capturing precision and depth that define the vintage's vibrant profile.
Winemaking
Ao Yun 2020 is a Cabernet-framed blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 6% Syrah and 6% Petit Verdot. Grapes from the four villages (Adong 34%, Shuori 38%, Sinong 18%, Xidang 10%) were vinified separately with gentle extraction to respect altitude-derived finesse.
Élevage lasted 12 months split between stoneware jars (≈40%) and French oak (≈30% new, ≈30% older barrels), followed by a short settling period in tank before bottling. The stoneware safeguards aromatic purity and texture; the measured oak regimen adds structure and length without masking terroir signatures. The result is a wine of fine-grained tannins, clarity of fruit and poised freshness.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep ruby with a youthful purple rim.
- Aroma: Blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry layered with wild mint, green pepper, cedar, graphite and subtle clove; hints of orange-peel lift and cocoa.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet aerial; cool-toned dark fruit wrapped in powdery tannins and lively acidity. Savoury pepper, tobacco leaf and stony minerality run through a long, vertical finish.
Did you know?
"Ao Yun" means "flying above the clouds." Beyond oak barrels, the estate matures a significant share of the wine in local stoneware to preserve purity and calibrate oxygen exchange—an approach tailored to the winery's extreme-altitude environment and mosaic of terraces.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Five-spice duck breast: aromatic spice and dark fruit mirror the glaze; lively acidity cuts through richness.
- Herb-crusted lamb rack: Cabernet structure and herbal notes echo the crust and tame the fat.
- Charcoal-grilled ribeye: dense fruit and fine tannins complement Maillard depth and marbling.
- Aged Comté: nutty umami and firm texture resonate with the wine's mineral length.
