Frequently Asked Questions
Crafted in the breathtaking Himalayan foothills of Yunnan, China, Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies a new pinnacle in luxury winemaking. Meaning "flying above the clouds," Ao Yun's 2018 vintage is a masterful blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 7% Syrah, and 4% Petit Verdot, celebrated for its rich complexity and elegance. This full-bodied wine captivates with aromas of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, and hints of clove, smoke, and sage. On the palate, its refined tannins and vibrant acidity deliver a seamless balance of lush dark fruits, subtle herbaceous notes, and a mineral-driven finish. With its extraordinary terroir at altitudes up to 2,600 meters, meticulous handcrafting, and aging in a mix of oak barrels and traditional Chinese earthenware, Ao Yun 2018 is heralded as one of the finest wines ever produced in China, promising exceptional aging potential and a transcendent tasting experience.
Process & Profile
Ao Yun, meaning "flying above the clouds," is produced at altitudes ranging from 2,200 to 2,600 meters, making it one of the world's most extraordinary winemaking ventures. Nestled beneath the sacred Meili Mountain, the region benefits from conditions akin to Bordeaux with intense sunlight and cooler temperatures, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon and complementary varietals to thrive. The grapes are cultivated across four villages—Adong, Xidang, Sinong, and Shuori—each contributing unique characteristics to the wine. The meticulous process includes hand-harvesting and fermentation in a combination of French oak barrels and Yunnanese stoneware jars, which preserve the purity of the fruit and enhance its complex profile. Ao Yun's 2018 vintage comprises 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, and smaller portions of Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot, delivering a unique blend with a distinct Himalayan identity.Tasting Notes
Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon captivates the senses with its layered complexity and elegance.- Nose: Bursting with vibrant aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries, intertwined with notes of toasted oak, clove, tea leaves, and thyme. Subtle hints of smoke and sage further enhance its aromatic depth.
- Palate: Full-bodied with a fine-grained texture, the wine offers a harmonious balance between creamy richness and lively acidity. Dark fruit flavors dominate, complemented by herbaceous undertones of green bell pepper and sweet spices such as cumin and saffron. The silky tannins deliver a millefeuille-like layering, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Finish: Long, structured, and saline, with notes of ripe fruit, earthiness, and a persistent minerality that reflects its mountainous terroir.
What Makes It Special
Ao Yun is not just a wine but a groundbreaking achievement in winemaking. The vineyard's location in the Himalayas redefines the boundaries of wine production with its extreme altitudes and untouched terroir. The precision in blending multiple varietals reflects the estate's commitment to producing a wine that rivals the world's finest. The combination of Chinese earthenware jars and French oak aging brings a balance of modernity and tradition, while the limited production ensures exceptional quality and exclusivity.How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the nuances of Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon:- Decant the wine for 2–3 hours to let its complexities unfold.
- Pairing: Its bold character pairs beautifully with grilled meats, game, or rich dishes infused with earthy spices like cumin or saffron.
- Serving: Best served at 16–18°C (60–65°F).
- Ageing Potential: While approachable now, the wine's firm structure and vibrant acidity promise decades of cellaring, allowing it to evolve into an even greater expression of its Himalayan origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon?
Ao Yun is a premium red wine crafted in the foothills of the Himalayas in Yunnan Province, China. It is a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and includes other varietals like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Known for its complexity and elegance, it reflects the unique high-altitude terroir where it is produced.
What are the key tasting notes of Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon?
Ao Yun exhibits deep, dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, along with herbal and spicy aromas like thyme, clove, and green bell pepper. It also includes nuanced layers of toasted bread, smoke, and earthy notes, thanks to its careful aging process. Its fine-grained tannins and lively acidity provide balance and a long, refined finish.
What makes Ao Yun unique compared to other Cabernet Sauvignon wines?
Produced at altitudes of 2,200 to 2,600 meters, the vineyards benefit from a climate comparable to Bordeaux but with unique high-altitude conditions. This setting allows for slow ripening, UV-rich sunlight, and a diversity of soils, resulting in wines of incredible freshness, complexity, and silky tannins. Its hand-harvested grapes and winemaking techniques further enhance its distinctive identity.
Can Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon be aged?
Yes, Ao Yun has excellent aging potential. Its robust structure, high tannins, and balanced acidity make it ideal for long-term cellaring. While drinkable now, its flavors and complexity are expected to enhance significantly over the next decade or more.
What food pairs best with Ao Yun?
Ao Yun pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, or duck. It also complements flavorful cheeses like aged Comté or Manchego and can even pair with chocolate-based desserts for a luxurious finish.
How should Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon be served?
Ao Yun is best served slightly below room temperature, around 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting the wine for at least 30 minutes is recommended to allow it to breathe, which helps to unlock its full flavor potential and soften its tannins.
What does “Ao Yun” mean?
“Ao Yun” translates to “flying above the clouds,” a nod to the mountain terroir where the vineyards are located and the mist that frequently surrounds the peaks.
Who produces Ao Yun and when was it established?
Ao Yun is produced by Moët Hennessy, a part of the luxury conglomerate LVMH. The first vintage was launched in 2013, following years of exploration to identify the ideal terroir in China.
Where can I buy Ao Yun Cabernet Sauvignon?
Ao Yun is a limited-production wine, making it highly sought after. It is typically available through select wine merchants, fine dining establishments, and specialty online retailers.
Is Ao Yun similar to Bordeaux wines?
While Ao Yun shares some structural similarities with Bordeaux wines, including its blend composition and balance of freshness and concentration, its unique high-altitude terroir gives it a distinctive identity with flavors and characteristics exclusive to its Himalayan origin.
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