Canon 2014

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Château Canon 2014 is a blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the estate moving towards the latter in terms of its new plantings, which will possibly see 40% in 15 or 20 years time. It was picked from 22 September until 6 October for the Merlot and three days later for the Cabernet Franc, matured in around 80% new oak. It has a glorious bouquet with great purity and delineation: raspberry, wild strawberry and small red cherries, very pure and harmonious. The palate is medium-bodied with sensual ripe, filigree tannin, just the right amount of salinity, precise and mineral-rich towards the exquisite, pure and “classic” finish. This is outstanding for the vintage – a sublime Château Canon that might dare rank alongside the 2009 and 2010. If this represents the valedictory Canon from John Kolasa, then what a way to bow out.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2014 Canon has a very well-defined, precise bouquet with ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry scents infused with minerals. The aromatics here are utterly captivating. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and very well-judged acidity. There is tension and poise to this Saint Emilion, gently fanning out with a delicate spicy finish that lingers long in the mouth. Though surely destined to be over-shadowed by the extraordinary 2015, this Canon deserves a berth in your cellar.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Canon is delicate, polished and restrained, with striking aromatic presence, silky tannins and exceptional length, all of which reinforce an impression of total finesse. Not an obvious wine, the 2014 will need time to fully come together and perhaps flesh out a little more. Even so, it is quite pretty and expressive in the early going. This is the last vintage overseen by John Kolasa, who, among other things, laid a foundation at Canon that sets the property up brilliantly for the future. Tasted three times.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2014 Canon is impeccable. Silky tannins convey an impression of total finesse as this round, creamy St.-Emilion shows off its considerable charms. Sweet floral and spice notes add lift to the red cherry and red currant flavors. The 2014 possesses marvelous energy and drive, yet those elements are channeled into a polished, totally harmonious wine.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2014 Canon has an intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, briary and light tobacco scents, gradually gaining more precision with aeration yet remaining classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, harmonious and poised with a structured yet precise finish that is pure class. Perhaps you might argue that it lacks some charm at this early stage but at the same time, I am fascinated to see how it will age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.