Ao Yun : Ao Yun 2014

A fine Himalayan wine by LVMH

The producer

The world leading luxury group is embarking on a new adventure in China, more precisely near the iconic city of Shangri-La, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ao Yun, meaning "that flies above the clouds", was created in 2013 and is made from several vineyards located between 2,200 and 2,600 metres above sea level. Very limited amounts are produced, making it a rare wine that is paving the way for premium Chinese wines.

The vineyard

With a total surface area of 28 hectares, the Ao Yun vineyard is divided into 314 parcels, rented to 120 families and spread across 4 villages in the Upper part of Mekong, China. Due to the altitude, the exposure of the plots and the great diversity and soil typology, each village offers a texture that add to this wine’s richness. In 2016, 900 subplots were identified and grouped into thirty distinct terroirs. When it comes to the production of this exceptional wine, excellence is a constant concern.  The grapes of the 2017 vintage have benefited from higher sun exposure as well as the installation of higher canopies, allowing the water to evaporate better.

The blend

Ao Yun 2014 comprises a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.

The tasting

Colour

The colour is dense and deep.

Nose

Complex, the nose blends fragrances of red fruits, humus and spices (cinnamon, liquorice).

Palate

On the palate, the wine is balanced with a refined tannic structure. It is a full-bodied wine that blends aromas of red fruit and flowers with mineral notes, giving it a delicious complexity. With a nice length, this Ao Yun 2014 combines the freshness and elegance of its exceptional terroir.