Kanaan Winery Crazy Fang Cabernet Sauvignon Ningxia 2019

Winery Background and History

Kanaan Winery, established in 2011 by Wang Fang (nicknamed “Crazy Fang”), is located at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, China. The winery’s name, “Kanaan,” symbolizes a “land of milk and honey,” reflecting Wang Fang’s vision of Ningxia as a premier wine-producing region. Despite the region’s harsh climate, including severe winters requiring vines to be buried, Kanaan has gained international acclaim for its high-quality wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends.

Producer and Winemaker

Wang Fang, inspired by her time in Germany, returned to China to pioneer quality winemaking in Ningxia. Her bold approach and commitment to excellence have earned her the moniker “Crazy Fang.” Collaborating with consultant winemaker Zhou Shuzhen, the team focuses on expressing the unique terroir of Ningxia through meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The grapes for Crazy Fang are sourced from two contract vineyards in the Helan Mountain region, characterized by high clay content and gravel soils. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm and slightly drier growing season, with sufficient rainfall in June followed by minimal precipitation in July and August. This climate, combined with the region’s elevation and soil composition, contributes to the wine’s depth, complexity, and refined concentration.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2019 Crazy Fang is a barrel selection blend, comprising 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. The wine undergoes fermentation and is aged in French oak barrels, which imparts a glossy yet fine-tuned oak character. Only about 4,000 bottles were produced, emphasizing the winery’s focus on quality over quantity.

Tasting Notes

This wine showcases depth, complexity, and refined concentration, with seamlessly knit tannins and glossy yet fine-tuned oak. It is consistently one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons from Ningxia, reflecting the region’s potential for producing high-quality wines.

Food & Wine Pairing

The robust structure and rich flavors of Crazy Fang make it an excellent match for hearty dishes such as grilled lamb, beef stew, or roasted duck. Its complexity also pairs well with aged cheeses and dishes featuring earthy mushrooms or truffle accents.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve this wine at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balanced palate. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full range of flavors and aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

Designed for aging, this wine can be cellared for 8–10 years or more under proper conditions. Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature to preserve its quality and allow the wine to develop additional complexity over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 88% Cabernet Sauvignon

• 12% Merlot

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5%

Scores

• James Suckling: 94

• Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 94