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.

A wine with balance and freshness with an orange peel and blueberry character. Medium to full body, with firm tannins and clean, bright finish. Merlot 70% and 30% Cabernet France. This has a little more Cabernet Franc. than in past recent vintages.

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.

This has a clean, sleek profile of fresh plum and raspberry coulis, relatively light-handed toast and nice flashes of anise and mineral on the silky finish.-J.M.

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.

Drink 2016-2024 Dark black cherry. Not very expressive on the nose yet there's purity of black fruit rather than too much oak. Juicy red fruit on the palate. Quite a bit lighter and gentler than some, moderate length. Tannins are tight, fine, not overworked. (JH)