Kanaan Pretty Pony Bordeaux Blend 2014

Produced by Kanaan Winery in the Ningxia Helan Mountain region of China, Pretty Pony Bordeaux Blend 2014 is a remarkable example of the emerging quality and ambition of Chinese fine wine. Founded in 2011 by Fang Wang, daughter of one of Ningxia’s early pioneers of viticulture, Kanaan Winery has quickly gained recognition for producing distinctive wines that combine Bordeaux-inspired winemaking with the unique character of this remote and challenging landscape. The vineyards are located at the foothills of the Helan Mountains, at over 1,000 metres above sea level, where intense sunlight, extremely dry conditions, sandy soils and dramatic temperature differences between day and night create ideal conditions for producing grapes with concentration, structure and freshness. The region’s harsh continental climate, including freezing winters that require vines to be buried for protection, makes viticulture demanding but contributes to the distinctive identity of Ningxia wines.

Made from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, Kanaan Pretty Pony 2014 is the winery’s flagship Bordeaux-style red, showcasing the elegance and ageing potential of Ningxia’s high-altitude vineyards. The wine is hand harvested, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and matured in used French oak barrels, allowing the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir to shine through. After almost a decade of bottle ageing, the wine displays complex aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, spice, dried herbs and subtle earthy nuances. On the palate, it is refined and beautifully balanced, with mature tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, savoury finish. A fascinating expression of China’s growing fine wine potential, Pretty Pony demonstrates how Bordeaux varieties can develop remarkable depth and elegance in the unique terroir of Ningxia.