Zaxee | Himalayas, Yunnan
Quan Shi Ping chose a different path from his peers when he graduated high school in Gansu province, north-west China, and during his time at the North-West Agricultural University of China, little did he know that he would be roaming the mountains of the Himalayas to cultivate the wines of his ethos.
During our visit to his beautiful winery incorporated into a traditional Tibetan house, we found that the time in the vines has turned him from an academic to someone so hands-on and heads to the ground. He turned up an hour late to our meeting, with dirt in his fingernails and a big, apologetic smile on his sun-tanned face: “Sorry, the vines needed a little more attention right now.”
Wines flowed, swirled and slurped, we got to know more about his philosophy: Quan has a minimal-interventionalist approach to his vines, where he feels the maturity of the grapes and wines by taste, not numerical results, and bottles them when he thinks they’re ready. A true experimentalist at heart, he also tried to learn the old Tibetan way of winemaking, integrating their style and culture into his expressions.
He greets everyone in Tibetan: “Zaxee Delek”.
Wines
Zaxee, ‘2300’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ●
Along the steep slopes of Jin Sha Jiang (literally translating to “River of the golden sands”) are small plots of vineyards situated at 2300 m altitude. This is where we see the rawest, unpolished form of Himalayan terroir - where ripe Cabernet Sauvignon from schist and basalt gravels are spontaneously fermented, then aged long in clay amphoras. This preserves the vivacity and energy, inviting you to immerse in the rugged, howling landscape, wherever you may be.
Cabernet Sauvignon | 750 ml | 14.5% abv
Zaxee, ‘2560’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ●
Higher up at 2560 meters, this Cabernet Sauvignon captures the raw spirit of the Himalayas. Grown in schist and basalt soils, it’s hand-harvested, fermented with extended skin contact, and aged in oak barrels for 12 months. The result is a wine that pulses with the energy of its high-altitude terroir. The deep ruby opens with aromas of ripe blackberries, dried plums, pine resin, and a touch of mint. The palate is tight yet smooth, with robust tannins and refreshing acidity. After decanting, it reveals its full-bodied elegance, with layers of caramel and coffee leading into a long, captivating finish. This wine has incredible ageing potential and will continue to evolve beautifully with time.
Cabernet Sauvignon | 750 ml | 14.5% abv
Zaxee, ‘Suyan’ Chardonnay 2022 ●
This Chardonnay is a breath of fresh air, with its crisp and refreshing character. The pale green color hints at the purity that follows, with aromas of highland apples, pears, and delicate white flowers that immediately draw you in. The palate is clean, lively, and brimming with freshness, offering a perfect balance of vibrant acidity and a lingering finish. There’s an elegance to its simplicity, a sense of clarity that leaves a serene impression long after the last sip. It’s a wine that feels both refreshing and refined, with purity shining through in every aspect.
Chardonnay | 750 ml | 12.5% abv
Zaxee, ‘Jingfan’ Chardonnay 2022 ●
A wine of depth and elegance, this oaked Chardonnay unveils a harmonious balance of richness and freshness. Its pale yellow colour sets the stage for the enticing aromas of ripe peaches, pears, and highland apples, intertwined with hints of cream, delicate spices, and a whisper of salinity. On the palate, the wine's soft acidity and fine tannins create a seamless structure, while the interplay between the two extends its length, enriching both the aftertaste and the finish. There’s a quiet power to this wine—a perfect blend of complexity and smoothness that lingers with each sip.
Chardonnay | 750 ml | 13.5% abv
From left to right: amphora Chardonnay, Suyan Chardonnay, Jingfan Chardonnay, macerated Chardonnay, not sure what that is, 2560 Cabernet. Yes, Quan likes to experiment.