Ch. Canon Chaigneau

With a terroir similar to Petrus and made by Thierry Garnaud, head winemaker at Ch Cheval Blanc for 35 years, this Bordeaux is a must!

This is lovely, a Lalande to look out for – Jane Anson

It’s a Hidden Gem – Jeb Dunnuck

Château Canon Chaigneau’s story

Château Canon Chaigneau has a long history, with wine being cultivated during Roman times. More recently in 2020, the winery was purchased by long-time Paris-based British wine merchant, Romik Arconian. Previous owners, the Marin family, have retained a stake in the vineyard and bring their expertise to the new team.

Winemaker Thierry Garnaud, who made no less than 35 vintages at Château Cheval Blanc with some awarded the perfect 100 points from various critics, has been overseeing the winemaking at Ch. Canon Chaigneau since 1995. He is now dedicated to the estate.

Vineyards and Winemaking

Located in Lalande de Pomerol at the highest point of the Néac Plateau, the estate spreads over 21 hectares. The terroir of clay, limestone and iron deposits is very similar to that of Petrus, which is 800 meters southwest of the property. Merlot dominates the plantings (90%) alongside 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Pressac, known as Malbec, outside of Bordeaux. Following sustainable practices, they use less chemicals than conventional methods and were accredited the Level 3 from HVE (Haute Valeur Environnemental) certification in 2020.

Now retired from Cheval Blanc, Thierry Garnaud is dedicated to the estate and focusses on making micro-vinification to get the best from parcels with lower yield and older vines. The Grand Vin is aged in a mix of cement and old oak barrels, however, since 2019, 30% or new oak is being used.

2016 – The Growing Season

One of the most unique and exciting vintages in recent memory, the 2016 vintage offers elegance, purity, generously ripe fruits, silky tannins, lower alcohol than in previous years and vitality.

The winter was mild but extremely wet, so the soil’s water reserves were restored for the start of the growth cycle. March brought cool temperatures which lasted until May, but the dry and warmer weather thankfully arrived in June and continued throughout July and August which ensured a uniform setting of the fruit. September had close to no rain allowing late ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to achieve phenolic ripeness.

Ch Canon Chaigneau 2016 - The Scores

This wine has the dry tannins of the vintage at this stage, which give a dense character that needs to soften and open out. As the underlying berry fruits come forward, this wine will begin to shine. Drink from 2023. - 90 points Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

The 2016 Canon Chaigneau clearly has more fruit intensity on the nose, offering ample red cherry, raspberry and strawberry aromas laced with soy. This is more Lalande-de-Pomerol than the 2015, with a subtle truffle note emerging with time. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, more purity than the preceding vintage, and greater depth and silkier texture. - 90 points, Neal Martin

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