Tasting notes:

Located in Ningxia in the eastern part of the Helan Mountain appellation, this winery offers a number of superb wines from Bordeaux varieties. These terraces and plains are the ‘Bordeaux of the East’, where clay and sedimentary layers of soils deliver the moisture that Merlot likes. This beautifully balanced wine shows seductive aromatics of dark jammy fruits with hints of cedarwood and leather. The palate has racy acidity and velvet-textured tannins, with delightful chocolate-mocha and lifted herbal notes adding interest to the fruit and oak flavours. A nicely-integrated wine with spice notes on the finish, it will be perfect with Southeast Asian curries or pork dishes with paprika. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)