This is so elegant and sophisticated already, with a really electric presence and length that goes on and on. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intensity of tannins. It remains weightless and energetic. The pH is 3.41, making this a vivid and lively wine. Currant, orange and stone. Sea salt, too. The limestone soils created a unique wine here in 2023. A blend of 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc.

Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and raspberries mingled with spices rose petals licorice and violets the 2023 Canon is another brilliant wine from a property whose excellence can almost be taken for granted. Medium to full-bodied deep and layered it's seamless and concentrated its vibrant core of fruit framed by sweet powdery tannins and girdled by lively acids concluding with a long mineral finish.

The 2023 Canon was picked from around 6 September to 6 October at 45hL/ha and matured in 50% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet with pure black cherries and touches of cassis and violet. The oak is beautifully integrated. Perhaps if I have to quibble it is not quite as complex as the very best recent vintages but that's a high bar nowadays. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black cherry fruit laced with iodine and veins of blue fruit. There is a sorbet-like freshness embroidered throughout this Canon and it delivers a lovely cracked black pepper note on the finish. Excellent. Again.

A wine of classicism and reserve the 2023 Canon is less overtly expressive than most recent vintages keeping much of its personality in reserve. Nevertheless I watched it grow considerably over the two weeks I spent in Bordeaux. Bright red-toned fruit blood orange mint and spice are some of the many notes that open in the glass. It is a wine that marries generous fruit with classical rigor. I won't be surprised if it shows even better with time. Tasted four times. 2033-2063