Chateau Canon 2018

Lisa Perrotti Brown 97-99 erobertparker.com ...Deep purple-black in color, it comes sashaying out of the glass with glamorous notes of cinnamon stick, baked blackberries, black cherry compote and licorice plus an undercurrent of plum preserves and smoked meats and, with coaxing, reveals a lovely floral signature of candied violets and red roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully soft-spoken, whispering of fragrant floral and earthy scents beneath a core of profound, mouth-coating black and blue fruits, draped in a high level of super ripe, plush tannins, finishing with amazing freshness and perfume with loads of mineral sparks emerging.

Antonio Galloni 98 vinous.com The 2018 Canon is every bit as magnificent as it was from barrel. Maybe more so. Vertical and explosive in the glass, Canon sizzles with tension and vibrancy. Readers will find a majestic, soaring Grand Cru Classe that captures all the magic of Saint-Emilion's limestone plateau. Canon excudes mind-blowing precision and deliciousness. It is another magnficent effort from Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and his team.

The 2019 Chateau Canon is a blend of 74 % Merlot and 26 % Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested between September 11 and October 4. The wine spent 18 months in barriques with half new oak.

Chateau Canon is classified as a 1er Grand Cru Classe B and has a magnificent terroir on the lime stone plateau of Saint Emilion. The whole estate extends to 34 hectares but the grapes for the grand vin are grown on 24 hectares in a single plot surrounding the chateau. The vineyards are planted to 67 % Merlot and 33 % Cabernet Franc. The terroir is known for perfect ventilation protecting from diseases and limiting the effects of summer heat. 

The history of the estate that used to be called Clos St-Martin goes back to the 18th century. Is is only since the purchase of Canon by the Wertheimer family - owners of Chanel - in 1996 that the full potential of Canon as one of the leading Saint-Emion wines has become apparent. Especially with the arrival of Nicolas Audebert marked improvements have been made and a style has been defined. It combines elegance, silky textures, depth and substance, fresh pure fruit aromas and a deeper mineral layer. Beneath the smooth palate lies a good structure of refined tannins. The aging potential is high.