2018 DAWA: Award-winning Chinese wines – Bronze Part One

2018 Decanter Asia Wine Awards, the 7th edition of the awards, received 3,138 entries from 37 countries. Only 39 (1.25%) wines were awarded a Platinum Medal or Best in Show, the highest accolade of the competition.

A wine made from 100% Marselan in Xinjiang, China was awarded a Platinum Medal at the 2018 Decanter Asia Wine Awards (DAWA), providing further evidence of this variety’s potential as China’s ‘signature grape’.

Fifty-seven percent of the 123 Chinese wines that entered DAWA 2018 were awarded a Platinum (1), Silver (17) or Bronze (52) medal, with an additional 17 granted a Commended Seal of Approval.

Thirty-three of these winners are from Ningxia, which is closely followed by Xinjiang with 28 wins. Benefiting from sufficient sunshine and an arid climate, both Northwest regions are currently regarded as China’s top sources of fine wines.

Read the overview of this year's competition>>

Click for more information and bottle shots of the Chinese award-winning wines in the DAWA 2018:

2018 DAWA: Award-winning Chinese wines – Platinum and Silver

2018 DAWA: Award-winning Chinese wines – Bronze Part Two

2018 DAWA: Award-winning Chinese wines – Commended

Wines

Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery Co., Ge Rui Hong Luminous Cup, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2015 Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery Co., Ge Rui Hong Luminous Cup, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2015

Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery Co., Ge Rui Hong Luminous Cup, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2015

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

A lifted nose of toast, smoke, ripe black cherry and liquorice. A delicious food-friendly style with grippy tannins.

Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Winemaker Riesling, Xinjiang, China, 2017 Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Winemaker Riesling, Xinjiang, China, 2017

Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Winemaker Riesling, Xinjiang, China, 2017

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

An intense aromatic profile of green apples and lime showcases this wine's youthful exuberance. Long, mineral finish.

Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Chardonnay, Manas, Xinjiang, China, 2016 Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Chardonnay, Manas, Xinjiang, China, 2016

Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Chardonnay, Manas, Xinjiang, China, 2016

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Some bruised oxidative notes underneath the ripe apricot and green apple flavours, with a medium finish.

Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Jinhuan Shiraz, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016 Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Jinhuan Shiraz, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016

Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Jinhuan Shiraz, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Lovely black fruit aromas and flavours are seamlessly wound around a persistent spine of oak tannin. A decent release.

Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Zunxiang Cabernet Sauvignon, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016 Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Zunxiang Cabernet Sauvignon, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016

Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Zunxiang Cabernet Sauvignon, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Quite a savoury style with striking notes of black and red fruits on the nose and palate. Would be a treat with red meat.

XinJiang Chateau Silkroad, Ice Wine, Xinjiang, China, 2017 XinJiang Chateau Silkroad, Ice Wine, Xinjiang, China, 2017

XinJiang Chateau Silkroad, Ice Wine, Xinjiang, China, 2017

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Pretty botrytised notes of peach, apricot, orange jam and honey on an unctuous palate that displays moderate length.

Xichang Chia Tai Wine Co., Moon Valley Zinfandel, Sichuan, China, 2017 Xichang Chia Tai Wine Co., Moon Valley Zinfandel, Sichuan, China, 2017

Xichang Chia Tai Wine Co., Moon Valley Zinfandel, Sichuan, China, 2017

86
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Refreshing, simple and approachable, this juicy wine exhibits lovely tobacco notes that amplify the black fruit and soft tannin.

Copower Jade Chateau Limited, Fei Tswei Premium Marselan, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2017 Copower Jade Chateau Limited, Fei Tswei Premium Marselan, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2017

Copower Jade Chateau Limited, Fei Tswei Premium Marselan, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2017

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Pungent sweet spices, plums and dates on the nose. The palate is juicy with soft, plummy tannins and a chocolatey finish.

Ningxia RolandMargo Agricultural Science and Technology, Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016 Ningxia RolandMargo Agricultural Science and Technology, Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

Ningxia RolandMargo Agricultural Science and Technology, Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Dense graphite and plum nose with hints of spice and flowers. A structured example with grippy tannins and a long, herbal finish.

Ningxia Huida Sunshine Ecological Winery, Colourful Sunshine Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016 Ningxia Huida Sunshine Ecological Winery, Colourful Sunshine Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

Ningxia Huida Sunshine Ecological Winery, Colourful Sunshine Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Aromas of smoke, toast and graphite; the palate is elegantly structured, with velvety tannins and flavours of black and red cherries.

Great Wall Chateau Sungod, Gewurztraminer, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China, 2017 Great Wall Chateau Sungod, Gewurztraminer, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China, 2017

Great Wall Chateau Sungod, Gewurztraminer, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China, 2017

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Emphatically varietal bouquet, with lychee and orange all putting their hand up. The palate is fresh and pure with a lightly bitter final.

Helan Mountain, Xiao Feng Cabernet Sauvignon, Ningxia, China, 2013 Helan Mountain, Xiao Feng Cabernet Sauvignon, Ningxia, China, 2013

Helan Mountain, Xiao Feng Cabernet Sauvignon, Ningxia, China, 2013

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Cassis, blackberry, toast and cherry nose and palate. The alcohol is well-integrated and accompanied by high firm tannins. Food please.

Helan Mountain, Classic Chardonnay, Ningxia, China, 2016 Helan Mountain, Classic Chardonnay, Ningxia, China, 2016

Helan Mountain, Classic Chardonnay, Ningxia, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

This is delicious, with its bright flavours of red apples, white peaches, toast, nuts and oak. Long, savoury finish.

Domaine Shapotou of Ningxiahong Group, Cabernet Gernischt, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016 Domaine Shapotou of Ningxiahong Group, Cabernet Gernischt, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

Domaine Shapotou of Ningxiahong Group, Cabernet Gernischt, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Full-bodied with intense notes of mixed spices, dried herbs and black pepper on both the nose and palate.

Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery Co., Ge Rui Hong Jade Bowl Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016 Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery Co., Ge Rui Hong Jade Bowl Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery Co., Ge Rui Hong Jade Bowl Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

A powerful, full-bodied wine, with cassis, smoke, toast and grippy tannins playing tag on the bouquet and palate alike. Long, super dry finish.

Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery, Ge Rui Hong Golden Cup Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2015 Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery, Ge Rui Hong Golden Cup Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2015

Ningxia Dongfangyuxing Winery, Ge Rui Hong Golden Cup Cabernet Sauvignon, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2015

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Dense plum, caramel, tobacco, roasted coffee bean and toast on both the nose and palate, tempered by intense, food-friendly tannins.

Chateau Reifeng-Auzias, Syrah, Yantai, Shandong, China, 2016 Chateau Reifeng-Auzias, Syrah, Yantai, Shandong, China, 2016

Chateau Reifeng-Auzias, Syrah, Yantai, Shandong, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

An altogether satisfying and convincing wine with a riff of black fruit and herbs, soft tannins, moderate acidity and decent length.

Chateau Junding, Penglai, Shandong, China, 2015 Chateau Junding, Penglai, Shandong, China, 2015

Chateau Junding, Penglai, Shandong, China, 2015

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Notes of plum, graphite and red fruits leap from the glass. The palate is juicy with violet notes and integrated tannins.

Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Marselen, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016 Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Marselen, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016

Chateau Zhongfei, Caring Nature Marselen, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2016

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Ripe red/black berry fruit and herbal aromas intermingle with a touch of cinnamon and sweet herbs on the nose. The palate is savoury, with grippy tannins and an elegant finish.

XinJiang Chateau Silkroad, Cabernet Sauvignon, Xinjiang, China, 2015 XinJiang Chateau Silkroad, Cabernet Sauvignon, Xinjiang, China, 2015

XinJiang Chateau Silkroad, Cabernet Sauvignon, Xinjiang, China, 2015

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Blackcurrants and spice meet leather and earth. A lovely wine to drink sooner rather than later with food.

Chateau Fenhe, Ice Wine, China, 2015 Chateau Fenhe, Ice Wine, China, 2015

Chateau Fenhe, Ice Wine, China, 2015

87
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Simple and approachable with a floral bouquet and tangerine, lime and honey flavours.

Li's, Merlot, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016 Li's, Merlot, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

Li's, Merlot, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 2016

88
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Quite a classic example with blackberry and spice aromatics and flavours, a juicy palate and moderate length.

Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Berries Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Manas, Xinjiang, China, 2015 Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Berries Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Manas, Xinjiang, China, 2015

Citic Guoan Wine Industry, Niya Berries Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Manas, Xinjiang, China, 2015

88
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

An elegant and captivating black fruit nose with integrated oak on the seamless palate, ending savoury and dry.

COFCO Great Wall Winery, Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon-Marselan, Penglai, Shandong, China, NV COFCO Great Wall Winery, Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon-Marselan, Penglai, Shandong, China, NV

COFCO Great Wall Winery, Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon-Marselan, Penglai, Shandong, China, NV

89
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Very intense aromas of liquorice, prunes and baking spices with juicy black fruit on the palate and a long, smoky finish.

Xinjiang Heshuo Diao Winery, Berry Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Heshuo/Hoxud, Xinjiang, China, 2016 Xinjiang Heshuo Diao Winery, Berry Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Heshuo/Hoxud, Xinjiang, China, 2016

Xinjiang Heshuo Diao Winery, Berry Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Heshuo/Hoxud, Xinjiang, China, 2016

89
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Quite a juicy and modern expression overall with soft black fruits, grippy tannins and integrated oak. Well made and will age well.

Xinjiang Xiangdu Winery Co., Anthony Cabernet Franc, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2015 Xinjiang Xiangdu Winery Co., Anthony Cabernet Franc, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2015

Xinjiang Xiangdu Winery Co., Anthony Cabernet Franc, Yanqi, Xinjiang, China, 2015

89
DAWA Bronze

Bronze
Decanter Asia Wine Awards

Intense peppery nose mixed with tobacco leaf and fresh herbs; the palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Best enjoyed sooner than later.