2023 Chateau Canon (FUTURES) 6pk OWC

99-100pts James Suckling 

This is so elegant and sophisticated already, with a really electric presence and length that goes on and on. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intensity of tannins. It remains weightless and energetic. The pH is 3.41, making this a vivid and lively wine. Currant, orange and stone. Sea salt, too. The limestone soils created a unique wine here in 2023. A blend of 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc.

98-100pts The Wine Independent 

A blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Canon has a pH of 3.42 and it will age in barriques for 16-18 months, of which 50% are new. It is deep garnet-purple in color and sails out of the glass with bold notions of juicy blueberries, fresh plums, and Bing cherries, giving way to hints of black pepper, fragrant soil, and violets. The medium to full-bodied palate shimmers with energetic black and blue fruits, framed by super-satiny tannins and compelling tension, finishing long and fragrant. Absolutely ethereal!

96-98pts Wine Advocate 

Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and raspberries mingled with spices, rose petals, licorice and violets, the 2023 Canon is another brilliant wine from a property whose excellence can almost be taken for granted. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's seamless and concentrated, its vibrant core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins and girdled by lively acids, concluding with a long, mineral finish.

94-96pts Vinous 

A wine of classicism and reserve, the 2023 Canon is les overtly expressive than most recent vintages, keeping much of its personality in reserve. Nevertheless, I watched it grow considerably over the two weeks I spent in Bordeaux. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, mint and spice are some of the many notes that open in the glass. Its a wine that marries generous fruit with classical rigor. I won't be surprised if it shows even better with time. Tasted four times. - Antonio Galloni 

94-96pts Vinous 

The 2023 Canon was picked from around September 6th to October 6th at 45hL/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with pure black cherries and touches of cassis and violet. The oak is beautifully integrated. Perhaps if I have to quibble, its not quite as complex as the very best recent vintages, but that's a high bar nowadays. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black cherry fruit laced with iodine, and veins of blue fruit. There is a sorbet like freshness embroidered throughout this Canon, and it delivers a lovely cracked black pepper note on the finish. Excellent. Again.

- Neal Martin 

Description

Characteristics and tasting tips of Château Canon 2023

Tasting

Intense, this vintage reveals floral, fruity (raspberries), but also pepper and mint aromas, supported by a delicate salinity as the tasting progresses.

An aerial and fresh Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
The estate

Nestled on the heights of the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, the Château Canon enjoys an exceptional location. Located on the right bank of Bordeaux, the superb estate takes its name from the famous King's sailor and privateer, Jacques Kanon. It was in 1954 that the Château Canon was consecrated Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion.

The vineyard

Château Canon is a Saint-Émilion wine made from vines planted on clay-limestone soils.

The vintage

A dry and relatively mild winter precedes a spring whose mild and humid conditions are counterbalanced by a certain freshness. The flowering is homogeneous. If the summer is contrasted, marked by an alternation of hot, cool, dry or even humid periods, the autumn is sunny with summer temperatures.

Vinification and ageing

Parcel and intra-parcel vinification in stainless steel vats. The ageing is 16 to 18 months in barrels (of which 50% are new), including 3 vats.

Blend

Merlot (71%)
Cabernet Franc (29%).