This may be one of the wines of the vintage, with brightness and ethereal character that give it an almost magical presence. Aromas of violets, lavender and blackberries with transparency and vividness. It’s medium-bodied with elegance and presence that give endless length. A benchmark. The tannins and acidity caress every millimetter of your palate. 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc. Try after 2030, but already a joy to taste.
The 2023 Canon has turned out brilliantly, unfurling aromas of cassis, mulberries, rose petals, raspberries and violets. Medium- to full-bodied, it is layered and finely textured, built around a seamless, deep core of fruit framed by powdery, velvety tannins and concludes with a long, chalk-inflected, crystalline finish. Highly expressive of its terroir through its powdery tannins and limestone-driven finish, it is also very much of its vintage, combining vibrant acidity with an unusually approachable profile. This is a blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, all matured in 50% new oak.
Expressive and evocative, with ripe strawberries, cola, wet stones, liquorice and roses. Glossy and intense, packed with blackcurrant, cherry, blueberry and strawberry. The tannins have a salty edge, adding structure. Tension and focus define this wine, with a streamlined core lifted by crystalline acidity. Delicate, precise and balanced. A long, lingering finish shows gentle winemaking and deft ageing. Beautifully composed, this is an outstanding, must-have wine.
The 2023 Canon has really come together with élevage. Pliant and supple, the 2023 Canon is a wine of pure and total seduction. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, mint and blood orange all take shape in the glass. The 2023 doesn't quite have the dynamic energy of the very best years, but it comes close while also offering more early accessibility than those wines. Tasted three times.
Based on 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc and aged 16-18 months in 50% new oak including three foudres, the 2023 Château Canon is a more medium-bodied, finesse-driven wine compared to its sibling Château Berliquet, which is always a bigger, richer wine. It offers red fruits, crushed stone, graphite, chalk, and floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it's focused, with good acidity, just about flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. Give it 3-4 years if you can and this will be a classic Canon to enjoy over the following two decades. It reminds me slightly of the 2001. Tasted multiple times. Drink 2029-2046.
TWI
95pts
The Wine Independent
94-95+ 2023 Canon has an elegant nose of sweet fruits, red berries and crunchy marzipan like scents. This type of nose is so typical and classic for Canon, always being one of the more elegant and refined wines. The taste is pure, silky and fresh with loads of well defined fruity redcurrants and red berries. The aftertaste has fresh and well structured tannins perfectly interwoven in the wine.
Bright, juicy damson plum and cherry compote notes lead the way, with flashes of rose hip and lightly singed vanilla. Subtle, tensile, chalky minerality skirts underneath, adding latent length. An understated style. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2037. 6,700 cases made, 725 cases imported.