Château Canon Saint-Michel is a certified Biodynamic estate vineyard and winery in the commune of Fronsac in the Canon-Fronsac AOC on the right bank of the Bordeaux region. Other wines made here include Crémant de Bordeaux AOC, Fronsac AOC and Bordeaux AOC.

Owner: Jean-Yves Millaire (see Vignoble Millaire) from 1998.

Background: In January 1998 Jean-Yves Millaire took this estate over from his grandfather, Monsieur Jean Garnier, who began buying vineyards in the 1950s. Millaire had previously worked for Patrick Moulinet at Château Haut-Brisson in St-Émilion, and in 2012 had Marc Quertinier as his consultant (Quertinier had also worked for Moulinet).

Vineyards: 2008 17 hectares (42 acres). | 2011 17 hectares (42 acres) of which 5.5 hectares (13.6 acres) of Canon Fronsac AOC, 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of Fronsac; 0.5 hectares (1.24 acres) of Bordeaux Blanc AOC in Canon-Fronsac; and 6 hectares (14.8 acres) of Bordeaux Rouge AOC.

Biodynamics: Jacques Mell consulted: 500, 501, MT.

Biodynamic certification: 2008 First vintage with full organic certification. | 2012 First vintage with full SIVCBD Biodyvin Biodynamic certification. | 2018 Still a member of SIVCBD.

Sparkling wines

Crémant de Bordeaux AOC Rosé, Jean: From 0.2 hectares (0.49 acres) of Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted early 1990s on clay. Hand picked.

White wines

Bordeaux Blanc AOC, Volcelest: 2009 100% Sauvignon Blanc. From 0.54 hectares (1.33 acres). 6,666 vines per hectare (2,699 vines per acre). No MLF. | 2010 100% MLF. 1,500 bottles. Nice and rich (Millésime Bio 2012). | 2014 Foudres and barrels. 100% MLF. Very nice oaked style with clear fruit (Millésime Bio 2016).

Pink wines

Vin de France Rosé, La Tase: From 0.5 hectares (1.23 acres). 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. Planted early 1990s. Clay soil. Hand picked.

Red wines

Bordeaux Rouge AOC, Château Cavalle Blanche: From 6.3 hectares (15.56 acres). 100% Merlot. Planted early 1990s. 5,500 vines per hectare (2,226 vines per acre). Clay soil. Hand and machine picked. No oak.

Bordeaux Rouge AOC, Volcelest: 2009 100% Merlot aged in new oak. Nice plum fruit (Millésime Bio 2012).

Fronsac AOC AC, Château La Rose Garnier: 3.5 hectares (8.65 acres). 5,500 vines per hectare (2,226 vines per acre). 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. | 2009 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand picked. Aged in old casks. Lovely clear ripe fruit (Millésime Bio 2012). | 2010 28,000 bottles. Very good breadth and softness (Millésime Bio 2012).

Canon Fronsac AOC, Château Canon Saint-Michel: 2009 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc. Cold soak. 20% aged in new oak for 14 months. 80% aged in old casks for 8-9 months. No collage. 20,000 to 25,000 bottles. Very good (Millésime Bio 2012). | 2010 Real clarity and smoothness at Millésime Bio January 2012. | 2012 70% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec. Delicious depth and flavour (Millésime Bio 2016).

Contact

Château Canon Saint-Michel

Lamarche, F-33126 Fronsac (Gironde), France

Tel+33 (0)5.57.24.94.99 | Website: www.vins-millaire.fr