“A Majestic, Soaring” Canon That’s “Up There with the Best of Them”

Canon has produced so many exceptional wines in recent years that choosing just one is a challenge. Each release tells a brilliant story, showcasing the magic of the renowned St-Émilion limestone plateau terroir and competing with the finest of the vintage. The 2018 is a prime example, offering the added advantage of being one of the most affordably priced modern-era Canon releases while meeting all the benchmarks of the estate’s success. A K&L favorite since its release and a truly savvy collectible, this Canon delivers "mind-blowing precision and deliciousness."

*Pre-arrival: available for shipment or delivery in late 2024.

98 points Jane Anson: "The fruit here is still crunchy and vibrant at three years old, blueberry, black cherry, smoked almonds and saffron. Clear density from beginning to end of the palate, with a rich full texture. Tannins are poised and confident, softening and adding to a creamy texture after 10 minutes in the glass. Bound to keep powering on for decades, needs another three or four years before starting to approach. 42hl/h, 52% new oak, 3.69ph, harvest September 7 to October 5. Thomas Duclos consults." (07/2021)

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Grand Vin is the 2018 Château Canon, which is based on 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc brought up in 52% new French oak. Its incredible bouquet delivers richness paired with amazing freshness and precision, offering loads of crème de cassis and darker berry fruits intermixed with classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality, graphite, scorched earth, and spring flowers. Gorgeous on the palate as well, with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and again, this wonderful sense of freshness paired with ample richness, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30+ years. The 2009 and 2015 are still my favorite vintages of this wine, but this is up there with the best of them." (03/2021)

98 points James Suckling: "Blackberries and tar with wet-earth and dark-bark aromas. Dark-chocolate and brownie notes, too. Its full-bodied with creamy tannins and a round, caressing finish. Lovely focus and intensity, though dense and layered. Extremely creamy and polished. Really precise and bespoke. It already opens beautifully on the palate." (03/2021)

98 points Vinous: "The 2018 Canon is every bit as magnificent from bottle 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 Classé that captures all the magic of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. Canon exudes mind-blowing precision and deliciousness. It is another magnificent effort from Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and his team. (AG)" (03/2021)

97+ points Wine Advocate: "A blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Canon has a pH of 3.69 and 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it tumbles effortlessly out of the glass with a gorgeous perfume of candied violets, preserved plums, black cherry compote and Ceylon tea with hints of kirsch, powdered cinnamon, chocolate box and fertile loam. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with juicy black fruit layers, supported by plush, oh-so-soft tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and fragrant. (LPB) 97+" (03/2021)

2018 Canon is another winner for a property whose profile is rising to the elite of the Right Bank in recent years. There's great depth and wonderfully integrated acidity that frames deep red fruits and very fine texture. The purity is impressive as it finishes long. It is compact with a lot of stuffing - there is no doubt that it will age beautifully but only time will tell if it can rival the heights of their brilliant 2015 or 2016. But the fact that it is in that mold is a good sign.