Canon 2010

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Canon features wonderfully expressive notes of dried mulberries, stewed plums and baked black cherries with hints of mocha, bay leaves and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, opulent and super spicy, it has a plush texture with a racy line supporting the hedonic fruit, finishing with jaw-dropping persistence. Drink 2020 - 2052.

An elegant, attractive blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, this wine tips the scales at 15% natural alcohol which, given the more elegant style sought at Canon, tells readers a lot about how powerful the 2010 vintage was across all the appellations of Bordeaux. Exhibiting plenty of raspberry, blueberry and black cherry fruit as well as some crushed rock/chalky minerality and a floral note, this very impressive Canon is backward, structured and precise. Give it 7-8 years of bottle age and drink it over the following three decades.

The 2010 Canon is a little disappointing on the nose in the context of a strong Right Bank flight. It feels a little loose-knit, lacks the same pixelation as its peers. It almost reminds me of a mature Chambolle-Musigny! The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly minty opening. Matters improve with fine structure, gentle grip and some lovely black truffle notes towards the finish. Perhaps there are better bottles out there? Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. 2023 - 2045.

Wonderful nose with strawberries, cherry blossom, and vanilla. The red opens up with blueberries, milk chocolate and sweet licorice. Full and juicy on palate with pure dark fruit and velvety tannins. So nicely layered texture and long in the finish with red fruit and crushed chalk. The texture is superb. Drink from 2018.

Healthy crimson. Aromatic and fresh on the nose even if not enormously concentrated. Sweet start – very classic St-Émilion without a trace of being forced. Middle aged with lots of life ahead of it. Almost racy! 15%
Drink 2018 – 2033

There has been huge investment here recently in the vineyard (75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc) and chai by owners Chanel. This is a great property that made fabulous wines in the past but dipped in form during the 1990's. It is now right back up there under the management of John Kolasa of Rauzan Segla (formerly of Château Latour). An increasingly rare example of a traditional Saint Emilion from a great terroir - situated at the heart of the plateau - that is being made to be enjoyed with food rather than score points at blind tastings. A wine of elegance and class that holds its head up proudly in comparison to some of the more manufactured "modern" efforts in Saint Emilion. Elevage here is in 60% new oak and 30% of the production is relegated to the excellent second label - Clos Canon. A medium deep colour with ripe cherries and vanilla on the nose. Very fleshy, succulent, supple and rounded. Lots of concentration but great freshness & balance. This is a wine of real puritiy and elegance. Seriously sexy, an absolutely gorgeous wine!

I loved the '09 and this is as good if not better. Poised and elegant with great purity of fruit. Dense but long and linear. Beautiful texture and tannins. Drink 2018-2040.