Anson’s pick of wines from Ningxia

Legacy Peak, Chardonnay 2015 92 N/A UK No English language website

This is a very good quality Chardonnay, which is barrelaged in 100% French oak for eight months. Rich straw in colour, with a round and silky texture on the palate, citrus notes and a lovely fresh finish. Drink 2018-2023 Alcohol 13.5%

Silver Heights , Family Reserve Chardonnay 2015 92 N/A UK www. silverheights.cn

Made from grapes grown along the eastern slopes of the Helan Mountains, this 100% Chardonnay is bottled unfiltered and undergoes no malolactic fermentation. I love the colour and richness of this, with tropical fruits and beautiful freshness. Drink 2018-2023 Alc 12.5%

Chateau Helan Qingxue, Jia Bei Lan Reserve 2014 92 N/A UK No English language website

From different plots than the main estate wine, aged in 70% new oak barrels for 18 months, then kept in bottle for a further year. This is excellent, though still young. Smoky, almost burnt caramel notes, set against intense black fruits. Lovely complexity. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2019-2026 Alc 14%

Chateau Changyu Moser XV 2015 90 £59 (2013) Berry Bros & Rudd

Rich deep colour, with clear fruit integrity. A full 75% new oak that is just a touch too evident at this stage. ( The winery rather honestly admits that the last vintage sold out so quickly that it put this on the market a little earlier than it wanted to.) Intense concentration with a smoky edge. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Drink 2019-2026 Alc 15%

Château Zhihui Yuanshi, Soul of Mountain 2013 89

N/A UK No English language website Good grip from the tannins, with layers of rich, black flesh on the fruit. There’s a little spiky acidity on the finish, but this is aromatically assured and has plenty of potential. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Drink 2018-2024 Alc 14%