Xige Estate, Jade Dove Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2017

This is one of the more complex and ripe expressions of this variety, which sometimes tend to be rather green in Ningxia. Made using vines over 20 years old, this single-vineyard Cabernet Gernischt (DNA equivalent to Carménère) was aged in 100% new oak for 12 months. Perfumed and complex, it has a complex nose of tar, burnt sugar, green pepper and spices on top of blackcurrant and violet perfume. On the palate it displays ink, violet, and vanilla layers overlapping dark fruit flavours. It has a fine and soft mouthfeel with fully ripe tannins and elegant acidity. Sweet spices and liquorice flavours linger throughout a decent finish.