"The plateau of Néac is essentially a continuation of that of Pomerol itself, and the majority of the best crus of Lalande are found in this corner of the appellation" , Decanter Magazine
Covering two distinct terroirs: Lalande de Pomerol and Néac. Château Canon Chaigneau is located in Néac, the much more reputable higher plateau of the appellation.
Lalande de Pomerol is recognised by serious wine lovers for offering top quality and good value.
Like Pomerol, a tiny appellation covering just 1100 hectares, with an annual average total production of just 525 000 cases.
At Canon Chaigneau, it posses the terroir of clay, limestone & iron deposits, very similar to that of the best part of the Pomerol appellation, and nearby Château Petrus, (just 1,2 km away to the south west), adding genuine complexity and making for excellent, refined & age worthy wines.
Indeed, the Romans recognised the greatness of our terroir, and winemaking began here almost 2000 years ago.
The winemaker Thierry Garnaud, was winemaker of neighbouring Château Cheval Blanc for 38 years. He knows this terroir perfectly and knows not only how to sublimate its exceptional qualities, but also how to express its unique identity.
Thierry was maître de chai at Cheval Blanc from 1988 – 2018, responsible for such 100 point legends as the 1990, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2016. His savoir-faire and talent is undisputed, the accolades for these wines are too numerous to list.
His ambition is to produce a wine that is both authentic and of remarkable quality and make Canon Chaigneau a wine of reference and a leader in an appellation.
True to his values and past, Thierry makes suave, fine, rich wines that are balanced, with beautiful aromatic complexity, typically with notes of truffle, spices, cocoa and black fruits.
Winemaker of Cheval Blanc, Thierry Garnaud, has been in charge of the chateau since 1995, & will continue to make the wine for some years to come.
Making the wine with the same passion & alchemy that he had at Cheval Blanc, the wines share the same ‘iron fist in velvet glove’ structure & sensuality that persuades collectors to pay up to 2000 euro per bottle for even fairly recent vintages of Cheval Blanc.
The wine is produced according to 'La lutte raisonnée' (literally 'the reasoned struggle'.) - using less chemicals than conventional growers and is noted for its elegance, finesse and delicacy due to a moderate extraction and a maturing process that respects the identity and inherent opulence of each vintage.
The winery is also certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) level 3.
Renowned critic Professor Colin Hay (The Drinks Business, Decanter) stated of the 2011 “Tasted blind one would not pick the vintage and might well imagine oneself the other side of the appellation boundary –in Pomerol itself.”
Another great vintage, ideal growing conditions, with both one of the warmest and driest years on record, but with sparse rain enough to give wines vibrancy, a velvet like concentration and a beautifully smooth tannic structure. Starting to drink very well now, but can hold for 10- 15 years.
‘… a hint of cedar emerging on the impressively intense nose. On the palate this is super-svelte already and both very attractive and very accessible... soft yet rich, lively and energetic yet powerful too and full of potential. Black cherries, sundried tomatoes and that signature almost ferrous minerality once again. A lovely finish of almonds and cherries.’ Colin Hay.
‘... this wine is just beginning to show signs of maturity, with tannins that are smoothing out and blackberry fruits and generous Merlot flavours coming forward. Drink from late 2021.’ Roger Voss, 91.
‘…offers light brambly red berry fruit on the nose, along with plenty of sous-bois, touches of orange peel and much better definition than other vintages I have tasted. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannins, well-judged acidity and an attractive piquancy on the finish. Drink now and over the next five years.' Neal Martin, 88.
'Some bacon-fat aromas across ripe blueberries, blackcurrants and red plums. Some light, herbal and leafy notes too. The palate has a supple, fresh feel to it, and it holds dark, cherry-berry fruit flavours to good effect. Drink or hold '. James Suckling, 91.
'...with a deep colour, aromas of spices, leather and blueberry, it is beautifully complex, with fat and harmonious tannins, and melted notes on the finish.' Guide Dussert Gerber 2020.
Awards:
91 James Suckling.com
91 Wine Enthusiast
88 Vinous
VIVINO 3.8
