Nabaifu Gran Reserve Vidal Icewine 2017
Result: 93 points, Silver
Grape variety: Vidal
Region: Liaoning
This Ice Wine is produced by Xuzhou Hanxiang (“徐州汉香酒业”) in Liaoning of northeast China, where the freezing climate becomes a natural fit for Ice Wine.
According to IWSC, the Ice Wine has an “exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity” with hints of tropical fruit, roasted apricots, peach and honey. The finish is long and enjoyable.
Tiansai T20 Chardonnay 2020
Result: 92 points, Silver
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Region: Xinjiang
Established in 2010, Tiansai Vineyards is located over 1,100 metres above sea level in Yanqi of Xinjiang. It was one of the first wineries to be certified organic in the region by Chinese authorities.
The winery’s T20 series signifies its strategic effort to change its position from a boutique winery to a mainstream premium wine brand. “T” in its name “T20” stands for Tiansai vineyard, Tian Shan mountain ranges, terroir, technology and tradition, ensembling the key elements of Tiansai vineyard’s wine production. “20” indicates the winery is entering a new era starting in 2020.
Produced from Chardonnay grown in Tian Shan’s Yanqi Basin, the wine is described to have a “rich modern style” with characters of lemon peel, grapefruit, toffee and hazelnut character, according to IWSC’s tasting notes. The ripe and sleek fruitiness is then complemented by a juicy fresh finish.
Jade Vineyard’s Aria 2016
Result: 92 points, Silver
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Ningxia
Jade Vineyard sits on the foothills of the Helen Mountain range in Ningxia, China’s premium wine growing region. Its 21-ha estate situated 1200m above sea level produces 70,000 to 80,000 bottles of wine annually.
Jade Vineyard’s Aria 2016 is produced by using Cabernet Sauvignon from 16-year-old vines. 80% of the wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 14 months, with the remaining 20% sat in a stainless steel tank before bottling.
On the nose, it is ripe and fresh with a “succulent honey enrichment”. It is juicy and mellow on the palate with a well balanced taste of truffle, according to IWSC‘s note. The wine has a long and delicious finish.
Lanyi Winery Merlot 2019
Result: 92 points, Silver
Grape variety: Merlot
Region: Ningxia
Chateau Lanyi (or “Lanny”) is a third growth winery under Ningxia’s wine classification system. Established in 2010, the winery is reportedly owned by Cao Kai Lung (曹凱龍), who is the Director of the Bureau of Grape and Floriculture Development and responsible for managing the Ningxia’s wine tourism development.
The wine has a nose of ripe blackberries and plums which follows through on tasting. It also shows floral hints of violet. It has touches of spice and savouriness of black olive on the palate.
Chateau Kings International Co, Oak Barrel Selected Marselan 2019
Result: 91 points, Silver
Grape variety: Marselan
Region: Hebei
Chateau Kings is built by the listed pharmaceutical company Tasly Holding Group, which stepped into the wine and spirit industry when it first acquired a distillery in Maotai town in Guizhou back in 1999.
Currently, Zheng Liang Ye, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Tasly Pharmaceutical Group is on the board of Guizhou Guotai Liquor, the second largest government-licensed liquor enterprise in Maotai.
The winery is based in Hebei, northern China, known as the country’s second most important wine region. It sits in the winegrowing region of Qinhuangdao city, which enjoys a continental climate that favours the growth of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and more.
According to the winery’s website, the whole estate spans across 1,300 mu with 200 acres of grape brewing area.
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