Region and Vineyards
Ao Yun farms a mosaic of terraces in the Shangri-La area of Yunnan, at the foothills of the Meili Snow Mountains. The sites lie between 2,200-2,600 metres above sea level across the villages of Adong, Xidang, Sinong and Shuori. This elevation brings strong UV light, large diurnal swings and a prolonged season, building colour, fine tannin and aromatic lift while preserving acidity. Alluvial and colluvial mountain soils drain freely, and traditional handwork is essential on these steep slopes.
In 2021, the estate experienced an exceptionally dry, warm first half of the year, followed by a steady ripening under pristine mountain skies. Crucially, the highest plots (around 2,600 metres) fully ripened and were included in the grand vin. Harvest unfolded slowly—from early September into early November—allowing parcel-by-parcel picking at optimal phenolic maturity, yielding a wine of concentration, freshness and saline precision.
Winemaking
The 2021 blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Syrah and 6% Petit Verdot. Each of the many micro-parcels was vinified separately with gentle extraction to respect fruit purity and the natural tannin finesse conferred by altitude. Alcohol sits around 14.0%.
Élevage lasted 12 months (60% in Chinese stoneware/glass vats; 40% in French oak barrels, c. 30% new), followed by 8 months in tank before bottling. The stoneware component safeguards aromatic vibrancy and texture, while the measured oak regimen brings polish and length without masking terroir character. The result is a finely knitted structure with supple, powdery tannins and an effortlessly balanced profile.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, lustrous ruby with a youthful purple rim.
- Aroma: Dark currant and blackberry layered with wild herbs, blood orange peel, cedar, cigar box, Szechuan-tinged spice and graphite; hints of dried rose and cocoa.
- Palate: Full-bodied yet lifted; ripe blue/black fruit wrapped in fine, dusty tannins. Savory pepper, tobacco and mineral notes drive through a long, vertical finish, edged by cool mountain freshness.
Did you know?
"Ao Yun" means "flying above the clouds." The estate vinifies and matures a significant share of the wine in Yunnanese stoneware jars—an approach tailored to this high-altitude environment to preserve purity and moderate oak influence, highlighting the site's singular Himalayan identity.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Five-spice duck breast: the wine's dark fruit and gentle spice mirror the glaze while acidity cuts richness.
- Herb-crusted lamb rack: Cabernet structure and savory herbs echo the crust and tame the fat.
- Charcoal-grilled ribeye: dense fruit and fine tannins complement Maillard notes and marbling.
- Aged Comté: nutty umami and firm texture resonate with the wine's mineral length.
