We’ve teamed up with Guy Willings from L’Assemblage Ltd, to get you some very special wine to go with your Easter lamb this year. Please let me know if you would like to pre-order as there will be limited stock in the shop?
Chateau Canon-Chaigneau
Situated in 21 hectares around Néac in the heart of the Lalande de Pomerol appellation lies Chateau Canon-Chaigneau. The production and élevage for the last ten years has been carefully managed by the former maitre de chai of Château Cheval Blanc, Thierry Garnaud.
Here the vines are close planted on Argilo-Calcaire terroir which contribute to the mineral complexity and flavour profile of the wines. Merlot dominates the assemblage by at least 75% with varying percentages of Cabernet Franc and a little malbec. The alcohols by volume range from 13 and 14.5%, depending on the vintage.
The vintages on offer have recently arrived. They are dependable, fabulous value, sumptuous reds, ideal with roasts and steak.
The most recent tasting notes and scores follow by Neal Martin of Vinous.com, Guide Hachette and Bordeaux specialist wine journalist, Professor Colin Hay, (The Drinks Business, Decanter…).
Château Canon Chaigneau 2015
“More evolved and accessible at this stage than the 2016, with just a hint of cedar emerging on the impressively intense nose. On the palate this is supersvelte already and both very attractive and again very accessible. It is 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 (LA 93) – £25.95 per bottle
Château Canon Chaigneau 2012
“The nose immediately puts one in the vicinity of Pomerol. This is more restrained and elegant than the more recent vintages with less obvious minerality and with a cooler, darkerfruit profile. Plush, full, rich but the product of a very gentle extraction to produce gloriously soft and enveloping tannins. Great intensity but with no harshness at all. This is starting to drink very well indeed.” Colin Hay (LA 92) Gold Medal, Bordeaux – £28.50 per bottle
Château Canon Chaigneau 2008
“The 2008 Canon Chaigneau is one of my favorite, more mature vintages from this Lalande-de-Pomerol estate. The enticing bouquet presents a mélange of red and black fruit, iodine, meat juices and rosemary; it is very Pomerol-like, with black truffle emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied, yet has more weight and depth than the 2012. There is a slight coarseness to the tannins at first, but the wine soon mellows and develops what, for a 2008, is quite a plush and cohesive finish. Excellent and perfect to drink now.” 91/100 Neal Martin, Vinous.com May 2020 – £31.50 per bottle
We are also offering a number of good value Bordeaux Superieur
Château Le Grand Verdus
The 16th century fortified Château Le Grand Verdus has been in the Le Grix de la Salle family since 1820 with currently four generations involved in the running of the estate. Purity, quality, and value are the key elements of these wines. The estate is located near Sadirac, on a wonderful site with soil and aspect similar to those of nearby Saint-Émilion. Their wines range from fresh dry Sauvignon-Semillion whites, a fashionable rosé, and juicy full flavoured Cabernet-Merlot reds that best express the regional styles. The serious Grand Réserve rouge ages well and competes with neighbouring Saint-Émilion Grand Crus.
1) Chateau Grand Verdus Blanc 2019, Bordeaux, France – £12.50
65% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon & 10% Muscadelle. Fresh, dry citrus, gooseberry fruit with mineral undertones. Good with seafood.
2) Chateau Grand Verdus Rouge 2018, Bordeaux Supérieur, France – £12.50
A Cabernet, Merlot blend with aromas of violets, cassis and earthy notes. Sweet berry fruit, cinnamon, and subtle ripe tannins prop up the fleshy, rounded finish. Classic, good value claret.
3) Chateau Grand Verdus Rose 2019, Bordeaux Supérieur, France – £12.50
Pale pretty rosé, Floral, strawberry notes with a dry refreshing finish.