Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Xiaoling |
Label Name: | Grand Vin de L'Himalaya |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Country: | China |
Region: | Cizhong (Gyalthang), Shangri‑La, Yunnan |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 14.5% |
Grape(s): | Cabernet Sauvignon (94%), Merlot (6%) |
Acidity: | 4 |
Tannins: | 3 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 4 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Tasting praise and scores include James Suckling (high marks, JS 94 reported for Xiaoling Grand Vin), Wine Advocate coverage (circa 94 for neighbouring vintages) and strong regional reviews; detailed reviews and scores: TerroirSense (94+ for 2020), Watson’s Wine and retailer notes
Tasting Note
Perfumed and precise: violet, orange peel, potpourri over bright red and blue fruit (strawberry, blueberry), brambly hawthorn and hibiscus, with a hint of graphite/chalk. Medium–full body, refined tannins and a long, focused finish.
Food Pairing
Western: grilled steak, roast lamb, aged Manchego or Cheddar, mushroom risotto. Asian: Peking duck, Sichuan‑style lamb skewers, Cantonese roasted meats, mushroom hot pot, aged tofu with chili.
Production Method
Hand‑harvested village grapes; small‑batch fermentation with gentle extraction; matured in French (Burgundy‑style) oak barrels with limited new oak.
Vineyard Info
Xiaoling (XiaoLing) is a boutique high‑altitude estate in Cizhong/Shangri‑La (est. c.2014), backed by Burgundian advisors and focused on terroir‑driven Cabernet and Chardonnay from contracted village vineyards (~2,000–2,400m).