Wine Advisor
Canon 1985
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1985 reveals a deep ruby color, as well as an intense fragrance of oak combined with aromas of ripe cherries, vanillin, and herbs. The wine is rich, medium-bodied, expansive, and alcoholic, with plenty of tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2007. Last tasted, 1/93.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Just approaching full maturity, this St.-Emilion offers a delicious combination of aromatics and flavors, including kirsh, cherries, minerals, and smoky oak, as well as a soft, medium-bodied, lush, mellow, and nicely textured palate. This charming, rich, stylish wine is now at its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007. Last tasted 12/97
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted single blind at the 1985 horizontal in London, the 1985 Canon was clearly better than the 1985 Magdelaine that was poured alongside. It has what you might describe as an "old school" nose with dark fruit, mulberry, smoke and a dab of the old boot polish. It is not as refined as more recent vintages but it expresses the character of the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity and a masculine personality that would lead you more towards Saint Julien rather than Saint Emilion. It does not have enormous length, but there is panache here, a Canon that is only interested in giving the imbiber enjoyment in lieu of intellectual stimulus. It achieves that purpose. Drink over the next five to eight years. Tasted July 2015.
About the Producer
Château Canon is a Premier Grand Cru Classé château in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. It owns pockets of vineyards close to Saint-Émilion town, with a large core parcel right on the very edge. This parcel is almost completely walled in and is traditionally hand-harvested and ploughed by horses. It is planted entirely with Merlot. This is regularly used in the Château Canon grand vin, along with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc from the estate's various other vineyards. More than 60 percent of Canon's vineyards are planted to Merlot. Most of the rest is Cabernet Franc, although a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon survived the cull in the late '90s. The grapes are blended carefully to get the most from each: Merlot brings smoothness, finesse and intense fruit aromas; while Cabernet Franc brings structure and extra ability to age. The Château also makes the Croix Canon wine from an 11-hectare (27-acre) vineyard that borders the Canon estate. Buyers should be aware of the high number of wines from the Right Bank whose names include the word "Canon". This includes two distinct wines named Château Canon from Canon-Fronsac, one of which has a very similar label to this more famous wine.
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