Eddie McDougall recently visited, prompting a gathering of the new Canary Wharf Wine Club to welcome him and share some interesting wines. The majority of the wines were served blind for an engaging discussion before their identities were revealed. Among the selections were three notable Chinese wines that stood out against strong competition.
First up was Puchang Rkatsiteli 2017 from the Turpan Valley in Xinjiang, China. Grown at an unusual altitude of 154 meters below sea level, this wine features a rich and textural profile reminiscent of Rhône whites, with bold flavors of peach and pear complemented by fine spices. It concludes with a slightly salty finish, earning a score of 93/100.
Following was the T-Oinos Stegasta Assyrtiko 2021 from the Cyclades, Greece. This wine presents a rich style with bold pear fruit and a grapey richness, along with a touch of saltiness. It’s pure, ripe, and quite intense, scoring 92/100.
The esteemed Château Cheval Blanc 1995 from Saint-Émilion, France, made an appearance as well. Combining equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this mature wine showcases appealing blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, laced with spice and earth notes. Its structure remains firm and balanced, placing it at a score of 96/100.
Another intriguing wine was Château Ausone 1995, also from Saint-Émilion, exhibiting a dense character with slight burnt notes on the berry and cherry fruit, accompanied by grippy tannins. This wine displays a firm, savory, and spicy profile and received a score of 92/100.
Next came Jiabeilan Reserve 2016 from Helan Mountain in Ningxia, boasting 15.4% alcohol. With lovely aromatics of blackcurrant and blackberry, this wine features floral hints alongside olive and spice notes. Rich yet fresh, its dense black fruit finish is enhanced by savory olive and salt notes, garnering a score of 93/100.
Lastly, the Gailonglin Ice Wine Gold Label 2013 from China impressed with its beautiful aromas of apricot, apple, and honey, enriched with a hint of marmalade and spice. Its balance and richness make it a standout, scoring 94/100.
This gathering not only highlighted the remarkable offerings from Chinese winemakers but also showcased a delightful array of wines that encouraged depth in conversation and appreciation among the club members.