Ao Yun 2017

Ao Yun 2017 is a concentrated, velvety Himalayan icon that represents the historic fifth vintage from this pioneering LVMH estate. Rooted at staggering altitudes between 2,200 and 2,600 meters in Yunnan, China, the vines are meticulously tended by hand across 314 tiny parcels belonging to local farming families. The 2017 growing season was defined by extreme climate variations—including a wet summer and a record-breaking late harvest that concluded on November 22nd. Crucially, this vintage marks the first time winemaker Maxence Dulou introduced Merlot into the blend to soften the variety's intense high-altitude structure. To counteract the 25% lower oxygen levels at the cellar's altitude, the winemaking team increased micro-oxygenation during its 14-month aging regime (38% new French oak, 62% older barrels).

In the glass, it reveals an opaque, exceptionally deep dark ruby color. The bouquet is remarkably intense, unfolding with ripe blackcurrants, wild blackberries, and plums, layered over complex, savory nuances of game, damp autumn forest floor, cold fireplace ash, and black tea. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense, and remarkably round ($14.5\%$ ABV), displaying more immediate, plush mid-palate flesh than previous years. A massive concentration of dark savory fruit is framed by powdery, velvety tannins and balanced by Ao Yun’s signature spine of crisp Himalayan acidity, concluding with a long, distinctly saline mineral finish.

Food Pairing: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, peking duck, or grilled venison loin.

97 Points - 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.