Canon 2011

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A super effort from Chateau Canon, this property, owned by the proprietors of the haute couture house of Chanel, has turned in a stunningly rich 2011 Canon with a full-bodied texture and surprising concentration and purity. It is a noble, intense Canon with sweet tannin, lavish concentration (atypical for the vintage), and a stunningly long finish. It should drink well for two decades, and will always be one of the major stars of the vintage. Bravo!

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Canon 2011 is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, picked from 7th until 17th September. One of Saint Emilion’s highlights, it has a lovely bouquet with wild strawberry and dark plum aromas that are very well defined and quite powerful in the context of the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, a silky smooth texture and a very composed, very pure finish that delicately caresses the mouth. The acidity is nigh on perfect, lending it a sense of weightlessness. This is a great 2011 and one of Saint Emilion’s top crus. Tasted April 2012.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2011 Canon is primarily Merlot blended with 25-30% Cabernet Franc from the estate’s 85 acres (now one of St.-Emilion’s largest properties since they have been purchasing adjacent parcels on the top of St.-Emilion’s limestone plateau). With 13.5% natural alcohol, the traditionally-styled 2011 possesses a deep ruby/purple color, sweet plum, black currant and mossy/forest floor-like notes, a hint of crushed chalk, and a medium-bodied, zesty finish displaying sweet tannin as well as vibrant acidity. This wine will require 2-4 years of cellaring and should drink well for 15 or more.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2011 Canon is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. It is undoubtedly one of the stars of the vintage, certainly one of the strongest offerings from Saint Emilion. The nose is bright, animated and playful with copious red cherries, fresh strawberry and dark plum aromas bursting from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, backward compared to more extrovert Saint Emilions such as La Mondotte—a tensile, poised Saint Emilion that is destined to last longer than its peers. Classic in style, endearing and mineral-driven, this is a superb wine from the estate. This is a supreme success courtesy of former winemaker, John Kolasa. Tasted May 2015.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Bright full ruby. Floral blackberry, raspberry, licorice, lead pencil and a faint herbal note on the nose. Juicy, spicy and precise, offering good sweetness to its red and dark fruit flavors. Finishes fresh, focused and long, with very good grip and a white pepper nuance.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Ruby-red. Lovely perfume of strawberry, red berries and white pepper, with the cabernet franc component currently dominating. Captivating and refined, showing lovely inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of red berries, minerals and flower. Finishes with mounting, polished tannins. A very pure, lacy wine in the making.