Carter Mountain Vineyard & Orchard

Shangri-La Winery

Altiwine Chardonnay

Shangri-La 2600 – Chardonnay / 2022
Shangri-La (Yunnan) – China 🇨🇳

Overview
A 100% Chardonnay from the high-altitude vineyards of Shangri-La at 2,600 meters above sea level. Crafted in small quantities and entirely by hand, this wine showcases the unique terroir of Yunnan’s Himalayan foothills, cool nights, strong sun, and pristine mountain air.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive notes of orchard fruit, apple, pear, and ripe peach, are lifted by hints of citrus blossom, white flowers, and a delicate touch of minerality. Subtle oak influence provides whispers of vanilla and toast.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with precise balance. The cool climate altitude lends finesse and a refreshing spine of acidity, while the texture remains smooth and elegant, leading to a clean, persistent finish.

Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with miso-glazed cod, roast chicken with herbs, vegetable stir-fry, or fresh dumplings. Also an excellent match with creamy cheeses like young Brie.

Verdict
A rare and refined Chardonnay that reflects both craftsmanship and terroir. This is an exceptional showcase of how far Chinese fine wine has come, offering elegance and originality at once.

Did You Know?
Yunnan’s Shangri-La vineyards are among the highest in the world, often referred to as “the rooftop of wine”. The extreme altitude gives grapes intense freshness while preserving natural acidity.
— 10 days ago

Andrew, Ted and 1 other liked this

Maître de Chai

Herron Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019

It’s not often that I get excited by California Sauvignon Blanc, but this one is full of character & worth going out of your way for. From one of the oldest sauv blanc vineyards in the state (dry-farmed, organic) on Sonoma Mountain. Heavy on the orchard fruit: green apple, pear, with some Meyer lemon and a touch of green papaya and lemongrass. Neutral oak elevage softens the rough edges. Great food pairing wine - though would expect no less from chefs-turned-winemakers. I really like what these guys are doing at MDC.

@Delectable Wine not the Reserve skin contact version but the standard SB (but the orange version is also excellent)
— 4 years ago

Severn, Ericsson and 9 others liked this
Joshua Fisher

Joshua Fisher Influencer Badge

Marty is such cool guy

Bedrock Wine Co.

Chuy Moon Mountain District Sonoma County Chardonnay 2017

Orchard fruit, rich but balanced, great QPR ⚡️ — 6 years ago

Shay, Weijie and 5 others liked this

Bodega Catena Zapata

Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2022

Sourced from the high-elevation Adrianna and Domingo vineyards in Mendoza, this 100% Chardonnay is a striking example of mountain-grown elegance. It opens with vivid aromas of pear, apple, and apricot, laced with citrus zest and delicate jasmine.

On the palate, those orchard fruits carry through with clarity, lifted by chalky minerality and just a whisper of vanilla from restrained oak aging.

There’s tension and precision here, crisp acidity, textured mouthfeel, and a lingering, clean finish that speaks to the cool, calcareous terroir. A beautifully structured Chardonnay with real pedigree, and an excellent value for its level of finesse.
Cheers!
— 5 months ago

Dave, Daniel and 1 other liked this

Manni Nössing

Valle Isarco / Eisacktaler Sylvaner 2021

Delectable Wine
9.3

More savory than sweet, the 2021 Sylvaner lifts up with a cascade of dried flowers and gingery spice offset by a cooling air of dusty stone. Like tapping a mountain spring, this flows across the palate with a mineral-laden blend of crisp orchard fruit and citrus lifted by cooling acidity. The 2021 takes on a tropical air through the finish yet is tart, puckering the cheeks with residual tension as pretty inner florals and young kiwi echo throughout. This is a gorgeous style of Nossing’s Sylvaner. (Eric Guido, Vinous, May 2023) — 3 years ago

Beta Wine

Chuy Vineyard Moon Mountain District Chardonnay 2018

Lemon curd, orchard fruit, hazelnut, med body, rich and long 🍋⚡️😍 — 5 years ago

Shay, Rob and 13 others liked this

Scott Harvey Wines

Mountain Selection Amador County Zinfandel 2019

Bought at Pine Orchard 10/23 $18. Typical Zin in flavor, color, aroma and tannins. — 2 years ago

Bodega Catena Zapata

White Clay High Mountain Vines Luján de Cuyo Sémillon Chenin Blanc 2021

ESF
9.0

Very pleasant, if a bit unusual for the venerable Argentine producer: straw colored w/big time aromas of white flowers, tropical fruit, orchard fruit, bit leesy & waxy. Med bodied, oily, sluggish acidity, but flavors reflected nose, went down easy — 2 years ago

Tom, Peter and 7 others liked this

Coche-Bizouard

Meursault Chardonnay 2016

exquisite tension with some luscious orchard fruits, hazelnuts and minerality 🤌 this + scallops = vince carter circa 2000 dunk contest game 👏🏼 over 👏🏼 — 5 years ago

Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars

Okanagan Valley Pinot Blanc 2014

Wasn’t expecting much from a six year old bottle of Canadian Pinot Blanc that was lost in the cellar. Very fresh. Bright orchard fruits. Balanced by good acidity. Nice food wine — 5 years ago

Jon Maxwell
with Jon