Chinese New Year – 2026, The Year Of The Horse

The zodiac symbol of the horse is associated with momentum, confidence, and unstoppable forward energy. Qualities we would admire in a fine wine.

We’re not particularly wedded to the horoscope, nor superstitious here at Vinum, but when we are ushering in the new year, and thinking about the holidays and feasting, we obviously turn our minds to what we want to drink, and what might be in keeping with the celebrations.

Chinese Wine

A few years ago, we wouldn’t have even thought about sourcing a Chinese wine for such an auspicious occasion but now it’s a different matter. Know-how and winemaking are maturing fast, and the quality is improving rapidly across multiple regions – from Ningxia’s desert plateaus to Shandong’s coastal vineyards.

One of the most exciting vineyards is Shangri-La, in Yunnan Province, at the edge of the Tibetan plateau. We’re talking 2,200-2,900 meters above sea level – higher than any vineyard in Bordeaux, Napa, or even most of Argentina’s high-altitude sites.

Dân Shēng Dì Célèbre 2018 comes from this remarkable terroir. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak, and made with techniques learned from Bordeaux but adapted to this unique landscape. Edward Ragg of the Wine Advocate gives this a fine write up and an impressive 94 points. (And we have a few bottles in Singapore if you’re interested!).

Previous ‘Horse’ vintages

Or if you want something with a bit more maturity from more established wine lands, you may want to choose another ‘horse’ vintage?

2014, 2002, 1990 and 1978 are the last four ‘horse’ vintages, all strong omens for another good year in ’26.

2014 – an outstanding white Burgundy vintage, but also good for the reds. Good in Champagne too. A lot of Bordeaux and Piedmont offerings punch well above their weight too.

2002 – a fantastic Champagne vintage with some notable performances from top end Burgundy also. Bordeaux is often unfairly overlooked.

1990 – what a year! Wine regions across the globe excelled. Bordeaux took the top spot as the greatest performer but a strong vintage too for Champagne, Northern Rhone, red Burgundy (particularly the Cotes de Nuits), Australia, California, Tuscany and Piedmont.

1978 – an extraordinary vintage for the Northern Rhone and Piedmont, with some great wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy too (although they may be fading now).

Some tips for the Horses

1990 Château Latour – after 35 years, it’sstill gaining momentum. Deep, powerful, and utterly confident.

2002 Comte de Vogüé, Chambolle-Musigny – everything is in balance, nothing is forced. The kind of wine that makes you wonder why anyone bothers making wine in other years.

2014 Dujac Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru (in magnum, because if you’re doing this, do it properly) – this wine is just quietly becoming extraordinary.