The wine displays a deep purple-red hue with a ruby rim. The aroma strikes a balance between openness and restraint—expressive yet elegant, exuberant yet composed. Lush, fresh notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, black jujube, cherry, and raspberry weave together like shimmering brocade, subtly interlaced with floral sweetness, evoking the sophistication of a high-end dark perfume. Any greenness is restrained, leaning more toward bell pepper. As the wine unfolds, intricate layers of sweet spice, milky chocolate, cedar, agar wood, and minerality stretch vertically like fine silk, elevating its sense of refinement.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a creamy, velvety texture. Its grand structure conveys an impression of opulence and poise. The medium-high acidity integrates seamlessly, providing a well-balanced backbone. The tannins are pronounced yet polished by extended oak aging, initially caressing the palate before revealing their depth and grip, leaving a gradually tightening impression along the cheeks. Despite the high alcohol (15.5%), it remains well-tamed, with only a whisper of warmth in the background—never fiery or aggressive.
The flavor profile balances boldness with finesse, offering both complexity and concentration. Hints of bell pepper and sautéed peas on the periphery highlight the wine's youth while affirming optimal fruit ripeness. Dark fruit flavors—blackberry, black cherry, black plum, fig, and jujube paste—along with a touch of violet unfold linearly across the palate like an ornate carpet unfurling gracefully.
Meanwhile, deeper layers of spice (clove, cardamom, cinnamon) and agar wood expand inward, followed by subtle vanilla, coffee bean, and a faintly bitter mineral nuance in the mid-to-late palate. These elements carve elegant, poetic contours that complement the vibrant fruit and floral motifs, constructing a multi-dimensional tapestry. A slight salinity emerges initially, but with extended aeration, sweetness takes over, introducing candied nuances and a hint of floral cough syrup, with the floral character gradually shifting toward hibiscus.
The finish is long (at least 13-17 seconds), dominated by dark fruit, leaving a perfumed persistence. As the wine breathes, dried fruit notes—prune, raisin, and fig—slowly emerge in the aftertaste.
This Ningxia Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a broad yet refined structure, captivating richness, and an ethereal elegance intrinsic to the winery's style. Despite the intensive oak regimen, the barrel influence never overshadows, instead contributing to a harmonious opulence. While not austere or traditional, the wine avoids heaviness, presenting an approachable, even friendly demeanor—yet it carries ample depth and concentration. Its meticulous craftsmanship ensures seamless integration.
Though still youthful, it is already remarkably enjoyable. That said, its aging potential is undeniable (thanks to its solid foundation). With another five to six years of cellaring, as tertiary notes develop, it promises even more fascinating dimensions.
