Changyu

[Thraz]

Changyu appears to be China's largest wine maker and seller in China with a 20% market share. I saw some of their bottlings at a huge Asian grocery store in Houston (Hong Kong Market on Bellaire):

1995 Cabernet Sauvignon for $16.49
1998 Cabernet Sauvignon for $15
1999 Chardonnay for $15

They are all labeled "dry."

I did not buy any of them - the travels of an 11 year old wine from China to Houston may not result in optimal conditions, regardless of the original quality. But has any of you ever had Changyu wines? I am curious, and I imagine there is no reason why China would not become a high quality wine producing country soon.

Incidentally I saw on the internet that they are now one of the top 20 brands in the world and want to be one of the top 10 by 2008 (I'm not sure by what standard). They currently have 3,333 hectares in various places, which they will expand to 8,000 hectares - and they also have "other supply sources." All very big numbers. Apparently Beringer has about 4,000 hectares.