TASTING NOTES
AO YUN SHANGRI-LA 2016 Score: 96
A very pure red with currants, blackberries and fresh leaves. Mushrooms and wet earth. Some tobacco. Cigars. Charcoal. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins and an intense, flavourful finish. It grows on the palate with chewy yet polished tannins. Delicious.
SILVER HEIGHTS PINOT NOIR NINGXIA JIAYUAN 2017 Score: 93
Such nice sous-bois and earthy, foresty berries, together with dried orange peel and creamy, classy oak that add sweet spices. Medium-bodied, but not lacking in texture.
LONG DAI QIUSHAN 20 18 Score: 96
Complex, perfumed nose of lavender, clove, potpourri, bark, sandalwood, black cherry, blackcurrant, sweet tobacco and musk. It’s fullbodied with firm, ultra-fine and velvety tannins. Plenty of dark fruit and spice with dried tobacco leaves.
XIGE ESTATE CABERNET GERNISCHT NINGXIA JADE DOVE SINGLE VINEYARD 2018 Score: 93
Such a racy nose, featuring hawthorn fruit and dark cherries. Black pepper, dried herbs and some classy oak add complexity. Medium to full body with lots of juicy, ripe fruit, coated by linear yet polished tannins.
JADE VINEYARD NINGXIA MESSENGER RESERVE 2016 Score: 95
This is beautifully rendered, with complexity and depth. A well-poised package of ripe cassis, some cherry jam, blackberries and hints of black dates, together with high-grade, cedary and creamy oak to balance the ripeness. Some walnut, iodine and dried meat, too.
CHATEAU NINE PEAKS CHARDONNAY QINGDAO QI 2018 Score: 93
This is really energetic and bright, with sliced apples, cooked pears and lemons. Hints of caramel and honey. Full-bodied, tight, bright and focused. Oily and crisp at the same time.
HELAN QINGXUE VINEYARD NINGXIA JIABEILAN GRAND RESERVE 2016 Score: 94
Very complex, deep nose with lots of savoury cocoa powder, preserved plums, meaty berries, tobacco leaf, tomato paste, black olives and cedar. There’s plenty here that’s reminiscent of a top Chilean cabernet sauvignon with its glossy, plush ripeness, without sacrificing any freshness.
DOMAINE CHARME VIOGNIER NINGXIA 2019 Score: 93
This is so fresh and zesty on the nose with immediate floral and peachy appeal, as well as orange blossom and lemon grass. The lifted aromas are attentive, but not sassy.
KANAAN WINERY NINGXIA CRAZY FANG 2016 Score: 94
Dense, elegant and ripe, with lots of cassis character, as well as cigar box and fine spice. Very classy with beautiful oak integration. Juicy, ripe and dense, loaded with dissipated, velvety tannins that deliver a long, focused finish.
CHAPTER AND VERSE RIESLING HEBEI HUAILAI MASTERY 2018 Score: 93
Fragrant and attractive nose, oozing tropical fruit from papaya to peaches. Exotic and floral with lots of orange blossom and jasmine as it evolves in the glass. Such a perfumed complexity!