Noble Dragon Shandong Red 2005

Un vin chinois? Vraiment? Encroyable! Many a wine snob would rather drink two day old Guinness with a cigarette butt infusion than try a wine from China. China’s known for a lot of things, but wine isn’t one of them.

I’m a total sucker for trying new stuff, and it rarely works so when I spotted Noble Dragon Shandong Red in Fresh, Smithfield, my curiosity had to be satisfied. At €9.99, I thought it was a tenner down the swaney, it was a bit of a punt, just like the Grand National.

Details on the Shandong Red

  • 12.5% ABV
  • Grapes used: Cabernet Sauvigon, Syrah, Dragon’s Eye (also called Longyan)
  • Where I bought it: Fresh, Smithfield, Dublin 7

More details from the label

“A long time journey starts with the first step” from the wisdom book “Daodejing” by Lao Zi, Chinese Philosopher, 6BC

Chinese entrepreneur Chang Bishi took this wisdom to heart when he founded China’s first winery in 1892. With Noble Dragon, his journey takes yet another step; with Austrian winemaker Laurenz Moser, whose family’s winemaking tradition also dates back to the early 1800′s.

Noble Dragon Shandong Red blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and China’s unique varietal Dragon’s Eye. This trio of international and native grapes produce a wine that is smooth and round, full bodies with a well balanced structure.

Verdict on Noble Dragon Shandong Red

Unexpectedly brilliant. I’d seek it out. For €10 you could do a lot worse. Besides you’ll have the smug feeling of being able to tell your friends that after trying the Noble Dragon, you think China’s where it’s at.