2023 Mingyi "Below the Temple" Chardonnay 岚岩之下

This is an exquisite, highly prized boutique Chardonnay from Yunnan’s high-altitude Shangri-La terroir: Mingyi Winery. Serving as the second vintage released by this emerging artisanal producer, the outstanding 2023 season in Shangri-La brought ideal weather conditions that allowed the fruit to reach exceptional maturity and balance. Sealed under an elegant cream-white wax cap, it displays a sophisticated aromatic bouquet of fresh white peach, ripe citrus, lemongrass, and white flowers, layered with toasted brioche, subtle hazelnut cream, and a distinctive crushed limestone minerality. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied and delightfully round, where a richer, silky, and oily mouthfeel is masterfully poised against a vibrant line of mountain acidity, concluding in a long, clean, and savory mineral finish.

Highlights

• Vintage: 2023

• Region/Appellation: Shangri-La, Yunnan, China

• Producer: Mingyi Winery (酩一 酒庄)

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay

• Style: High-Altitude, Round, Silky, and Mineral-Driven White Chardonnay

• Perfect for (food pairing): A luxury service of premium sturgeon caviar served on warm blinis, pan-seared sea scallops with truffle butter, butter-poached marron or lobster tails, steam-cooked coral trout with ginger and scallions, or grilled king prawns. Its combination of rich texture, vibrant mountain acidity, and clean minerality also makes it an extraordinary partner for poached organic chicken, roasted squab, or a selection of delicate creamy cheeses.