Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Canaan Winery — Chapter and Verse Reserve Merlot 2015. Huailai, Hebei, China 🇨🇳

Overview
A stunning expression of Merlot from one of China’s pioneering premium wineries. This 100% Merlot demonstrates that exceptional fine wine can emerge from unexpected places, delivering remarkable elegance, balance, and varietal purity. A true benchmark for modern Chinese winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and red plum are complemented by layers of cocoa, freshly roasted coffee, sweet baking spices, and a subtle earthy nuance. The palate is beautifully integrated, offering concentrated fruit without excess weight or ripeness.

Mouthfeel
Silky, polished, and exceptionally refined. Fine-grained tannins glide effortlessly across the palate, creating a luxurious texture with rounded edges, vibrant freshness, and an impressively long, harmonious finish.

Food Pairings
Roast duck, beef tenderloin, mushroom risotto, Peking duck, grilled lamb, aged Gouda, or simply enjoy it on its own to appreciate its remarkable finesse.

Verdict
This wine completely breaks the paradigm of what many expect from Chinese wines. Sophisticated, impeccably balanced, and remarkably smooth, it competes confidently with premium Merlots from far more established wine regions.

Did You Know?
Founded in 2006, Canaan Winery is considered one of China’s leading boutique producers. Located in the cool-climate region of Huailai in Hebei Province, the estate has helped showcase China’s growing potential for producing world-class fine wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of those rare bottles that consistently creates a genuine “Whoa!” moment. It surprised everyone at the table and completely changed my perception of premium Chinese wines. Crazy smooth, impeccably balanced, silky tannins, and unforgettable elegance. — 2 years ago

Tim Crakes

9.2

Alain Graillot's idea for Canaan to plant Viognier back in the late 90's. One of the most unique white Priorats I've ever tasted. Immense power, but with a ton of layering and finesse. Take note on the 2015 vintage, and the '13 red is spectacular as well. — 9 years ago

Mark Lockareff

9.5

What a treat! Spent an evening with my good friend Tim in New Canaan and we pulled this legend from his cellar. Perhaps a couple of years past is prime, this Grand Cru drank beautifully for a 54 year old wine. Very earthy and well balanced. — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

A blend of Cab Sauv. Tempranillo and Durif give an abundance of red fruits with an intense velvety notes and taste. Persistent notes of baked black cherry and raspberry pie. Powerful and luscious, Some leather and cacao flavors are mostly by the back-end of the palate. Lingering finish. — 2 years ago

Azeen Ghorayshi

9.1

Canaan house — peppery but juicy — 5 years ago

Christian Pardo

9.0

Smooth, very applely, east drinking — 8 years ago

with LeAnn

Martina

10

Gareth, Nick, Canaan, Marc — 10 years ago

Dana Moore

8.9

$10 new canaan. Simple, earthy, light, some tannin, good everyday wine. — 13 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Earthy, light and approachable, elegant and delicate aromas of dark cherry and ripen strawberries. Medium Plus body, herbal and oaky finish. Very casual. — 2 years ago

D L

9.2

Delicious. Got from the wine store by bobs in new Canaan. — 4 years ago

Jesse Baldwin

9.0

Very good - lemon forward - Sauvignon blanc. — 6 years ago

Sharon B

9.2

Delicious! Israeli red blend. Fruity easy drinking wine. — 10 years ago

Janet Liberatore

9.6

Great smooth mellow red. Great with steak. Purchased at Wonderful Wine Weekend in Canaan Valley Resort, WV. Purchase more!! — 13 years ago