Ao Yun : Ao Yun 2019

LVMH releases a great Chinese red wine that delights with complexity and freshness

The estate

LVMH, the famous luxury group, is embarking on a new venture in China, more precisely near the legendary city of Shangri-La, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Ao Yun, whose name means "flying above the clouds," was created in 2013. Produced from several vineyards at altitudes ranging from 2,200 to 2,600 metres, this wine, produced in very limited quantities, is leading the way for high-end Chinese wines.

The vineyard

With a total surface area of 27 hectares, the Ao Yun vineyard dedicated to the production of this 2019 vintage is divided into 727 blocks rented to 113 families within 4 villages of the Upper Mekong. Because of the altitude between 2100 and 2600 meters, the exposure of the plots and the great diversity of soil typology, each village offers asperities that make the richness of this Chinese wine.

Ao Yun 2019 is composed of grapes from 4 villages: Xidang (23%), Sinong (21%), Shuori (32%) and Adong (24%).

The vintage

A rainy and cool winter preceded a spring marked by hydric stress, resulting from dry and hot conditions, which had an impact on yields and grape concentration. The summer had rainy spells which advanced a gradual and even ripening of the grapes. As the harvest approached, the combination of relative coolness and dry conditions was ideal for refining the ripening process. The harvest was the latest and longest in the history of the estate.

Winemaking and ageing

Vinification by gravity. Gentle extraction to bring out all the finesse and elegance of the tannins. Aged in oak barrels (35% new) in stone jars (30%).

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (67%)
Cabernet Franc (17%)
Syrah (10%)
Petit Verdot (6%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Ao Yun 2019

Tasting

Nose
The nose mingles refreshing floral scents and notes of licorice, smoke and sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon) along with those of black fruit (blackberry, cherry stone).

Palate
Delicate and velvety, the palate unveils throughout the tasting fine tannins and a delicious acidity. Scents of crème de cassis liqueur, graphite and mountain herbs mingle harmoniously up to a lingering finish, releasing a lovely minerality and delicious red fruit scents.