Kanaan Winery Crazy Fang Cabernet Sauvignon Ningxia 2016

Winery Background and History

Kanaan Winery is located in the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain range in the Ningxia region of China. It is celebrated for pioneering premium Chinese wines using Bordeaux-style varieties. “Crazy Fang” is its limited-edition special reserve wine, inspired by the owner’s deep connection with Ningxia and symbolic of her life philosophy. This bottling embodies both regional terroir and Kanaan’s boutique craftsmanship. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Kanaan Winery, the Crazy Fang Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from hand-selected vineyard parcels. The winemaking combines lush ripeness with precise oak integration, resulting in a bold structured wine that showcases Helan Mountain terroir and the winemaker’s refined approach. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes are grown on the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain in Ningxia. This region features arid continental climate with significant diurnal temperature shifts and mineral-rich soils, contributing to depth, concentration, and varietal clarity in the wine. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Crazy Fang undergoes full oak aging (details on barrel regime unspecified). The 2016 vintage is described as having a well-balanced profile with fragrant oak influence layered over fruit, giving structure and richness throughout. 

Tasting Notes

The Wine Kitchens description highlights a deep, opaque ruby red color with a blood-orange hue—suggesting a full-bodied wine that maintains freshness. Aromatically, it reveals ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, raisin, violet, along with toasted oak, vanilla, sweet spices, and black pepper. The palate is generous and structured, with firm but well-rounded tannins and a long, persistent finish. 

Other tasting notes from IWSC note expressive aromas of mint, vanilla, and blackcurrant liqueur, adding balance and fragrant oak presence. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Recommended pairings include beef and venison—dishes that complement its bold structure and rich fruit character. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16–18 °C in a generous Cabernet-style or Bordeaux glass. Given its power, a 30–60 minute decant may help balance tannic structure and reveal the aromatics more fully.

Storage and Aging Potential

With its concentrated fruit, oak structure, and 15–15.5% alcohol, this wine is built for medium-term cellaring. It may continue to evolve gracefully over 10+ years under optimal conditions. (Inference based on structure and style; specific sources not available.)

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

15.5%. 

Scores

• James Suckling: 94 points. 

• IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition): Awarded a Silver medal; tasting note highlights its rich and juicy style with mint, vanilla, and blackcurrant liqueur.