The fourth vintage of Ao Yun – the Chinese wine owned by LVMH – was released in the UK this morning at £2,340 per 12×75. Today’s 2016 release is the fourth vintage to come from the estate and is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling scored the wine an impressive 96 points, making it his highest-scoring Ao Yun. In his tasting note he described it as being “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, flavorful finish”.
He went on to say that “it grows on the palate with chewy yet polished tannins” but added that it “needs two or three years to soften” and will be “better after 2023”.
Today’s release is coming to the market at a 10% discount to the 2015, but with a slightly higher score from James Suckling. Buyers with an eye on Chinese wines who are also looking for relative value might find some excitement in today’s release.
Back in 2016, the 2013 vintage of Ao Yun became the first Chinese wine to trade on Liv-ex shortly after it was released. At the time, the excitement surrounding the release led to a flurry of activity on the market with trades ranging between £2,820 and £3,200 per 12×75.
