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Ao Yun 2017

Mix 12
£254.00
Mix 6
£256.00
Per Bottle
£260.00
Deliver Thu 1st Jun Same Day - cost based on mileage from Islington
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Deliver Fri 2nd Jun DHL Next Working Day from £9.80
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Description & Technical Information
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The vineyards of Ao Yun are located in Adong, Shuori, Sinong and Xidang, just below the sacred Meili Mountain at altitudes varying from 2,200 to 2,600 metres, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon to give its finest expression of a unique terroir. Due to the altitude, the climate is hotter and drier than the vineyards at ground level, with only 250mm of rain falling during the summer months - by comparison Bordeaux experiences 750mm. The days of intense sunshine and UV exposure combined with cool nights provides good photosynthesis, great concentration, thick skins, small berries and deeply coloured wines. The grapes are farmed organically due to a lack of mildew or botrytits, hence no need for chemicals to be sprayed.

Ao Yun means "flying above the clouds", a reference to the clouds that cap the summits of the Himalayan mountains. It came into existence in 2013 and is produced in very limited quantities, this is a rare wine which is paving the way for high-end Chinese wines. This wine is the fifth of its kind.

Weather: The year 2017 opened with a dry and warm winter, followed by a cool spring which delayed the grapes’ ripening process. Fortunately, the beginning of autumn offered a window of higher-than-normal temperatures, allowing the grapes to reach full maturity. The harvests in the 4 villages were particularly late this year, up to 22 November, setting a new record for late harvests in the northern hemisphere.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: Adong, Shuori, Sinong, Xidang
Grape Varieties: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 4% Syrah, 3% Petit verdot & for the first time 2% Merlot
Drink: 2020-2035

Tasting Note: The 2017 Ao Yun has a deep, dark colour. The aromatic bouquet conveys the fresh character of black fruits and game, harmonised with smoky and earthy notes. On the palate, a concentrated and round wine with a silky texture. After decanting in a carafe, this cuvée reveals notes of fresh fruit mixed with ink and leather. The long, saline and mineral finish aptly conveys the signature style of Ao Yun.
Ao Yun Overview
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Expert Reviews
94/100
Edward Ragg
“The 2017 Ao Yun has a very deep ruby appearance. It is extremely young on the nose and palate, with dark brooding cassis, black cherry and black plum fruit that is both perfumed and gently herbaceous (hints of green bell pepper and blackcurrant leaf). There is marked new oak (clove, toast, smoke) that marries impressively with the ripe core of fruit. On the palate, the wine has robust but refined, coating tannins, well-integrated high alcohol, some lifting acidity and a tremendous core of ripe, powerful fruit that harmonizes well with the savory new oak. This is undeniably long and polished and has that Ao Yun "puissance" that characterizes all vintages to date. 2017 shares with 2015 an impressive integration of ripe Cabernet-dominated fruit with robust structure, but the use of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Merlot has given a greater fruitiness and touch of spice to the 2017. This is certainly a vintage that is very young at present and will easily age for 15 years or more. Best approached from 2021 at the earliest.”
97/100
James Suckling
“Another step up in quality from 2016. Lots of blackberry and blueberry aromas with plenty of richness and ripeness on the nose. Spicy notes, too with dried chili, sweet tobacco and some pine. Very aromatic. Full-bodied and round with creamy, ripe tannins and lots of ripe fruit. Yet, it remains fresh and vivid. A little bit of merlot in the blend for the first time Mostly cabernet sauvignon with cabernet franc, syrah, petit verdot and merlot. Delicious now, but will age nicely. It’s more approachable than the 2016 now. Superb length here. Give it time in the bottle. Better after 2025. 3,000 cases made.”
News Articles
  1. Ao Yun 2013: China's First Fine Wine

    Ao Yun 2013: China's First Fine Wine

    October 3, 2016

    Read the article on China's first Fine Wine 'Ao Yun 2013" backed by LVMH. Vineyards situated in one of the most remote parts of the Shangri-La region.
More Ao Yun Wines
Ao Yun
Single Price
£276.00
Mix 6 Price
£272.00 each
Mix 12 Price
£270.00 each
2nd vintage of high altitude Cabernet from 2500 meters in Himalayas