Domaine Franco-Chinois East Garden 2016

Named for Donghuayuan (East Garden), the estate's hometown — a Bordeaux-blend dialogue with Huailai terroir.

Region: Donghuayuan, Huailai, Hebei, China | Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | Vintage: 2016 | Style: Dry Red

Terroir
Named for the estate's home town, Donghuayuan in Huailai. Sandy-gravel alluvial soil drains well; the Guanting Reservoir's microclimate moderates diurnal swings, letting classic Bordeaux varieties each ripen well and express Huailai's terroir in a pure form.

Winemaking
Blends Cabernet Sauvignon's power, Merlot's sweetness and Cabernet Franc's elegance. Gentle pump-over extraction at lower fermentation temperatures for fine tannin, with a higher proportion of old French oak than the estate's Reserve bottling, for elegant fruit and soft texture without heavy new-oak toast.

High Cru Tasting Notes
Attractive ruby-red color, with ripe blackberry and plum aromatics alongside sweet vanilla and coffee notes. Medium body, rich fine tannin, raspberry and mulberry berry notes on the finish. Full-bodied and approachable young, with genuine aging potential.