The 2024 Canon is superb. One of the standouts of the vintage, the 2024 possesses striking mid-palate depth to match its vertical personality. Chalk, white pepper, mint, lavender, rose petal, slate and blue/purplish fruit all stain the palate. There's gorgeous depth and density here, and yet the 2024 remains a super-classic wine from the property. This is a real stunner. That's all there is to it. Tasted four times.

The Grand Vin 2024 Château Canon is 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc that will spend 16-18 months in 49% new oak, with a small amount in foudre. Black raspberries, graphite, crushed stone, and violet notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, fresh, has a vibrant, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's a classic Canon with its minerality, focused, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Tasted multiple times with consistent results.

The 2024 Canon is shaping up brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet cherries, blackberries and raspberries mingled with notions of rose petals and spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with tangy acids (the pH is a very low 3.35) and ultrarefined tannins, it concludes with a long, mineral finish. A blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, it's the estate's first year of organic certification.

The 2024 Canon was picked from September 19 to October 9, a harvest that I witnessed firsthand while joining the pickers on one afternoon. It aged in 49% new oak and 6% casks for between 16 and 18 months. The bouquet is well defined with pure black cherry, raspberry and a subtle marine influence that develops in the glass, though I find the Troplong Mondot tasted alongside has more amplitude. The palate is medium-bodied and pliant with fine tannins and finesse. One bottle at the château had more weight on the finish than others that feel attenuated and missing a bit of substance.

78% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Nose more restrained but hints at a certain depth. Palate more aromatic. Supple fruit with integrated tannins. Fine-edged and elegant but not quite top-drawer this year. (JL)