As we celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, it’s a fantastic time to explore a remarkable selection of Chinese wines that have been honored at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Chinese wine has been making waves on the international stage, evidenced by an impressive tally of 178 medals awarded this year, including five Golds, 55 Silvers, and 118 Bronzes.
This recognition emphasizes the rapid rise of China’s reputation in the global wine arena.
Highlighting Notable Wines
Last year’s awards revealed a remarkable variety of red wines, particularly Bordeaux-style blends.
Co-Chair Sarah-Jane Evans MW noted that the focus during the tastings was on the wines’ quality, irrespective of their origins.
With the Chinese New Year festivities approaching on February 29, we’ve curated 15 standout wines from the 2024 competition, each boasting a score of 92 points or higher.
Join us in toasting these noteworthy producers!
Exquisite Selections
- Sparkling Wine
- Domaine Chandon Ningxia, Brut, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia NV
This stunning Gold medalist achieved a score of 95 points. Its bright notes of lemon zest and green apple dance on the palate, enhanced by a lively mousse that leaves a satisfying savory finish. Creamy and vibrant, it’s a refreshing choice. Alcohol: 12.5% - White Wine
- Silver Heights Vineyard, Reserve Chardonnay, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2021
Another Gold winner with a full 95 points, this Chardonnay tantalizes with its blend of green apple, lime, and pineapple flavors, all marked by a flinty minerality. Its creamy mouthfeel and bright acidity create a truly elegant experience. Alcohol: 12.5% - Red Wines
- Chateau Changyu Tinlot, Yantai, Shandong 2016
Scoring an impressive 96 points with a Gold medal, this wine envelops your senses with floral accents alongside dark, spicy fruit notes. Its harmonious finish features sweet coconut oak tannins and a refreshing mint lift. Alcohol: 14.5% - Citic Niya, Niya Legend Marselan Blend, Manas, Xinjiang 2021
Recognized with a Value Gold and rated at 95 points, this blend captivates with its medley of cassis, raspberry, and Morello cherry, enriched by herbal undertones and polished oak, leaving a plush, lingering finish. Alcohol: 13.5% - Chateau Jinfulan, Sheng Wei Lan Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2021
Achieving a Silver medal and a score of 94 points, this Cabernet Sauvignon entices with flavors of ripe cassis and raspberry, elevated by nuanced smoky notes and a pleasant weight on the palate. Alcohol: 15% - Shepherd Vineyard, Shiraz, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2022
This Silver medalist, boasting a score of 94, showcases a smooth, dry profile with silky textures and noted peppery undertones, combining concentration with finesse beautifully. Alcohol: 14% - Li’s Winery, Family Honor Merlot, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2022
A Silver winner with 93 points, this Merlot features a delightful blend of cooked red fruit compote and chocolate, accented by floral oak spice, all set within a fresh palate that finishes with rounded tannins. Alcohol: 14.8% - Chateau Copower Jade, Fei Tswei Reserve Syrah, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2021
Scoring 92 points and earning a Silver award, this Syrah exudes enticing blueberry aromas interwoven with mocha and blackberry hints, offering both boldness and elegance in each sip. Alcohol: 14.5% - Dongfang Yuxing Winery, Geruihong Xiaozi Dornfelder, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2022
This Silver winner rated at 92 points delights with aromas of mint, Morello cherry, raspberry, and ripe plum, creating a juicy and enjoyable flavor profile. Alcohol: 13.8% - Great Wall Ningxia, Greatwall Chateau Terroir 3556 Marselan-Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2021
With a delightful nose of ripe cassis, cherry, and raspberry complemented by leather and clove spices, this 92-point Silver winner promises a full-bodied experience. Alcohol: 15.8% - Ho-Lan Soul, Reserved Organic Merlot, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2020
Scoring 92 points and receiving a Silver award, this Merlot showcases sweet redcurrants and victoria plums, enhanced by hints of mint and herbs for a luscious finish. Alcohol: 14.5% - Huangkou Winery, Shuangjiao Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2022
Rated at 92 points with a Silver medal, this wine expresses rich blueberry and Morello cherry aromas, finished with vibrant fruit characteristics that are simply delightful. Alcohol: 14.9% - Jade Vineyard, Heshan Single Vineyard Merlot, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia 2019
This Silver award-winning Merlot, rated 92 points, offers sumptuous flavors of black forest cake, black cherry, and bilberry, all presented within a silky smooth profile. Alcohol: 14.5% - Sweet Wine
- Sanhe, Cailonglin Jinding Icewine Vidal, Huanren, Liaoning 2021
This Gold medalist shines with a score of 95 points, layered with flavors of peach, melon, pineapple, and lychee, all infused with a honeyed freshness that lingers beautifully. Alcohol: 12% - Changyu Golden Icewine Valley, Golden Diamond Icewine Vidal, Huanren, Liaoning 2021
Earning a Silver medal and scoring 92 points, this icewine reveals an amber hue with fragrances of peach, dried apricots, ginger, and honey, perfectly balanced by its bright acidity. Alcohol: 11%
Indulge in these exquisite wines to enhance your Lunar New Year festivities and appreciate the vibrant diversity and quality that China’s winemakers have to offer.
Source: Decanter
