Ao Yun Yunnan 2021

Deep, brilliant ruby. Lush, ripe small dark currants and wild forest berries, freshly picked fine herbs, hints of violet and crushed tobacco leaves. On the palate, it’s balanced, velvety and fresh with juicy fruit and dense, well-integrated tannins. This has been the warmest vintage yet for this extraordinary adventure in the foothills of the Himalayas; for the first time, the dryer, warmer than usual weather meant the high altitude plots, at 2600m above sea level, ripened fully and were used in the grand vin. The complexity of the soil and climate of Ao Yun’s 31 hectares, divided into 35 distinct terroirs and 773 tiny parcels, at varying high altitudes, tended by 131 families, is reflected in this superb wine. 40% new French oak barrels, 60% in glass and ceramic vats.