Ao Yun 2020

Ao Yun 2020 is a chiseled, incredibly precise Himalayan icon from LVMH's pioneering estate, grown at staggering altitudes of 2,200 to 2,600 meters in Yunnan, China. Benefiting from a dry, warm growing season that ripened the fruit cleanly across all mountain bands, winemaker Maxence Dulou drew 72% of this blend from the two coolest, highest-altitude villages (Adong and Shuori). Compared to the opulent 2019 vintage, the 2020 zeroes in on structural agility, freshness, and tension. In the glass, it pours a very deep purple color. The nose is highly sophisticated, unveiling aromas of blackcurrant, wild plums, and graphite, complexed by wild mountain herbs (mint, sage), cigar box, and a touch of cocoa powder. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet aerial; its dense core of cool-toned dark fruit is seamlessly framed by present, fine-grained tannins and a striking line of natural mountain acidity that guides it into a long, nervy, and distinctly savory finish.

Food Pairing: Charcoal-grilled ribeye steak, herb-crusted rack of lamb, five-spice roasted duck breast, or aged Comté cheese.

99 Points - James Suckling

Super classy, fragrant nose that immediately brings demureness with its currants, graphite, paprika, cigar box, tobacco leaves and a touch of cocoa powder. This is a juicier expression of Ao Yun on the palate, with lots of brightness and probably a little less weight and opulence than 2019, but certainly more agility, firmness, tension and freshness. Refined, layered, long and silky, but the tannins are fresh and present. Extremely long and nervy. The best Ao Yun to date that zeroes in on balance. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 6% syrah and 5% petit verdot. 30% new barrels, 30% old barrels and 40% stoneware jars from Sichuan. Drink from 2025, and the wine should age beautifully for the next two decades, if not longer.