CHÂTEAU CANON

The 2014 Canon has an intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, briary and light tobacco scents, gradually gaining more precision with aeration yet remaining classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, harmonious and poised with a structured yet precise finish that is pure class. Perhaps you might argue that it lacks some charm at this early stage but at the same time, I am fascinated to see how it will age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. Drinking range: 2022 - 2050 Rating: 95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Mar 2018)

The 2014 Canon is delicate, polished and restrained, with striking aromatic presence, silky tannins and exceptional length, all of which reinforce an impression of total finesse. Not an obvious wine, the 2014 will need time to fully come together and perhaps flesh out a little more. Even so, it is quite pretty and expressive in the early going. This is the last vintage overseen by John Kolasa, who, among other things, laid a foundation at Canon that sets the property up brilliantly for the future. Drinking range: 2018 - 2034 Rating: 94+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2017)

The 2014 Canon is impeccable. Silky tannins convey an impression of total finesse as this round, creamy St.-Emilion shows off its considerable charms. Sweet floral and spice notes add lift to the red cherry and red currant flavors. The 2014 possesses marvelous energy and drive, yet those elements are channeled into a polished, totally harmonious wine. Rating: 91-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

The Château Canon 2014 is a blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the estate moving towards the latter in terms of its new plantings, which will possibly see 40% in 15 or 20 years time. It was picked from 22 September until 6 October for the Merlot and three days later for the Cabernet Franc, matured in around 80% new oak. It has a glorious bouquet with great purity and delineation: raspberry, wild strawberry and small red cherries, very pure and harmonious. The palate is medium-bodied with sensual ripe, filigree tannin, just the right amount of salinity, precise and mineral-rich towards the exquisite, pure and “classic” finish. This is outstanding for the vintage – a sublime Château Canon that might dare rank alongside the 2009 and 2010. If this represents the valedictory Canon from John Kolasa, then what a way to bow out. Drinking range: 2018 - 2038 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

Predominantly Merlot from the plateau. Continues in a classical, elegant mould. Pure and fragrant. Refined tannins and texture. Lovely freshness and length. Structured for ageing but guided by the philosophy of drinkability. Drinking range: 2022 - 2034 Rating: 92 James Lawther MW, decanter.com (Apr 2015)

Perfumed and fragrant the nose has charm the black fruits overlaid with violets. The fruit is sweet the mid palate has depth richness cassis and blackberry. Fresher at the back a lovely balance bright with well handled tannins the finish slightly richer the fruit sweet. Drinking range: 2022 - 2036 Rating: 90-94 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Apr 2015)

Mid to deep crimson. Full, opulent nose. Sweet start and then a little pinched on the end – there isn’t the broad sweep of fruit on the palate that was suggested by the nose. Correct but very introvert. One of the more youthful St-Émilions. Drinking range: 2024 - 2032 Rating: 16.5+ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2015)

A wonderful Canon with fabulous finesse and class. Full-bodied yet refined and polished. It touches your senses. Shows Right Bank made excellent wines in 2014! Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2015)