In Bond Fine Wine. 2006 Château Canon, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Premier Grand Cru Classé B • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 93/100 (NM). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Canon is a leading estate in Saint Emilion, admired for its precision, elegance, and steady rise in quality over the past two decades. Located on the limestone plateau just outside the town walls, the Canon is a great terroir of deep clay over limestone, which imparts freshness, minerality, and structure to the wines. The 34-hectare vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot (around 70%), with the remainder Cabernet Franc. Under the ownership of Chanel since 1996, and with the leadership of Nicolas Audebert since 2014, Canon has undergone a quiet transformation, focusing on meticulous vineyard work, plot-by-plot vinification, and subtle winemaking. The result has been a consistent run of high-quality vintages that have drawn comparisons with the very top of the appellation. Often one of the earliest properties to begin harvesting, Canon is noted for its graceful, pure-fruited style, with fine tannins and a limestone-driven lift that gives the wines both approachability and excellent ageing potential. Its reputation has soared in recent years, with strong demand from collectors and drinkers alike, Canon is also widely regarded as offering some of the best value for money among Saint Emilion’s top tier.
Neal Martin (NM) — 94–96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/05/2007
Tasted privately with a negotiant. A beautiful sweet, slightly gamey nose with bright red berried fruits and hint of Medjool dates. Good definition. Very well balanced with superbly integrated new oak, good acidity and focus. Cassis, crushed violets and blueberry, with an almost Margaux-like finish. Very pretty and beautifully poised. One of the top Saint Emilions. Tasted April 2007.
Robert Parker (RP) — 89–92/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/04/2007 · Drink 2010-2024
A sweet, ripe, fleshy effort with soft tannins, impressive concentration, and sexy, up-front aromas of black cherries, herbs, crushed rocks, and spring flowers, this medium-bodied St.-Emilion will undoubtedly put on more weight will additional cellaring.
Albany Vintners (AV) — 90–92/100 · -, 01/04/2007
Now run by John Kolasa of Rauzan Segla (formerly manager of Chateau Latour). Previously one of the most esteemed Chateaux of its appellation, owners Chanel have invested to restore the wine of this great terroir to its past glories. The wines made here are traditional, pure Saint Emilion with the same oenologist as Cheval Blanc and Figeac. Canon is generally amongst the earliest Saint Emilion to…