This is a new blend for Ao Yun, with the 2016 vintage composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 4% Syrah and 2% Petit Verdot. It is deep ruby in color and has lifted herbaceous bramble and red and black plum fruit with subtle toasted new oak notes. There is significant concentration with robust alcohol but lifting acidity and ripe, fine-grained tannins. Very juicy, vinous and young! The 2016 Ao Yun doesn't have the immediate generosity of the 2015 vintage and will undoubtedly need time to develop in bottle. It will be more approachable from 2021. That said, if decanted in advance, it can already give pleasure. Notably, this was the first vintage winemaker Maxence Dulou decided to blend at sea-level, given that few consumers of Ao Yun will appreciate the wine at 2,600 meters in altitude. It will be fascinating to see how the 2016 evolves alongside the more voluptuous 2015 vintage.

This deep garnet colored wine is dense and perfumed on the nose, offering aromas of cassis, thyme and violet. It is bright at first sip, quickly followed by luxurious tannins that settle in quickly and back off, allowing bold acidity to reign. Lush fruit flavors of black cherry and dark plum are joined by notes of oregano, rosemary, lavender and thyme with a strong vein of minerality. Drink now-2034.