Ch. Canon Chaigneau 2022 Cuve 8a
Romik was inspired to create this cuvée, aged entirely in concrete (“beton”) by his long-time admiration for Ch. Belair Marquis d’Aligre, now a highly fashionable Margaux cru, whose wines never sees the inside of an oak barrel! We were joined by Neal Martin of Vinous magazine in especially appreciating the joyous succulence of the Merlot which is nicely seasoned. This is a version of Bordeaux that seems almost entirely original, and brought to our jaded palates a jolt of pleasure that hasn’t ceased!
Arriving Soon
Wine Specifics
WineWise Code | FCC-C8A22 |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Color/Style | Red |
Destemming | Partial |
Fermentation Vessel | Concrete |
Additional Fermentation Notes | Fermentation duration: 14 days.
Fermentation in concrete and aging in concrete only |
Aging Vessel | 100% Concrete |
Aging Duration (months) | 16 months |
Filtered? | No |
Fining Agents | None |
Yeast Protocol | Cultured |
Malolactic Conversion | Yes |
Added Sulfur | Yes, 10 mg/L |
Varieties | 100% Merlot |
ABV | 14 |
Closure | Agglomerated cork |
Annual Production | 3000 bottles |
Certified Vegan | Yes |
Other Wine Facts | 'The 2022 Cuve 8a sees no wood, unusual in Bordeaux,
though it pays dividends, and represents one of my favourite
wines from Lalande-de-Pomerol. It has a fresh bouquet with
blackberry, raspberry, light floral and orange blossom scents.
The palate is well-balanced and lightly spiced, with good
definition, grainy tannins and a very elegant and persistent
finish. I look forward to tasting this from bottle - great
potential.‘
Neal Martin, 91-93
‘This is the unoaked cuvée, which can be a little austere in most
vintages, but in the rich exuberance of 2022, it works. Remains
a little tart in its acidity but there is great depth and intent to
the black fruits, and momentum through the palate...’
Jane Anson, 90
‘Notes of blue fruit and violets with spices and wet stones.
Medium-bodied, toned and crunchy with fine-grained, silky
tannins. Fresh finish.’
James Suckling, 91-92
‘The Cuve 8a by Canon Chaigneau is characterized by fresh,
floral nuances. The bouquet reveals delicate notes of peonies
and the refreshing scent of raspberries. The fruit intensity can
also be found in the beginning. The wine is of good density,
tasty and is supported by tannins that are still somewhat firm,
but harmonizing with the acid structure. I think time will round
off the rough edges a bit, but actually you have to praise the
energy, the dynamics and the ambitions that are in this wine.’
Yves Beck, 92-93 |
Soil Types | Clay, Gravel |
Elevation (meters) | 45 |
Vine Age | 35 |
Yields (hl/ha) | 45 |
Farming Practices | Certified Sustainable, HVE level 4 Certified, Practicing Organic, Practicing Biodynamic, Practicing Regenerative |
Harvest Method | Machine |
Notes from the Producer: First time ever 100% merlot!
a 100% merlot pure expession of our sensational terror!
Concrete only!
Great vintage, perfect maturity, lovely concentration and complexity.
Outstanding terroir up the road from the Pomerol plateau, Petrus, Evangile, Eglise Clinet, Lafleur, etc
Thierry Garnaud was winemaker at neighbouring Cheval Blanc for 38 vintages, he's a genius and a legend.
