"98+ Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc and aged for 18 months in 70% new French barriques, the 2016 Canon is medium to deep garnet-purple in color, and WOW it opens with the most stunning perfume of violets, red roses and kirsch, giving way to a core of black cherry preserves, chocolate box, licorice, warm plums and Chinese five spice plus an earthy waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with expressive, perfumed black berry layers accented by lively red fruits and exotic spices, supported by impressively fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing very long with jaw-dropping energy. Tasted three times, I had one opportunity to taste the 2015 and 2016 Canon side by side. While I love the bold, rich, seductive nature of the 2015, this 2016 kicks it up a notch in terms of polish, precision, depth and persistence. Most notably, the superbly ripe, exquisitely fine-grained tannins on this 2016 bring to the table a whole other level of sophistication. Bravo! 2022-2055 November 2018
97 Points - Neal Martin, vinous.com
The 2016 Canon has the unenviable task of following the astonishing 2015, and it does a damn good job, even if it doesn’t reach the same ethereal heights. There is a pleasing strictness and poise on the nose; this is less immediate than the 2015, yet intellectual, a Canon that expresses its terroir rather than tons of fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, a smooth texture and a slightly savory but persistent finish, which feels a little plusher than the 2015, implying that this might drink a little earlier. But there is unquestionably immense breeding locked into this rejuvenated Saint-Emilion, which is now firmly ensconced among the top-flight Right Banks. Drink 2021-2050 January 2019"
In 1760, Jacques Kanon bought the Saint Martin vineyard on top of the finest slope in Saint Emilion. The improvements made on the estate quickly resulted in the wine's success, and its new name of Canon. The estate was acquired by Raymond Fontemoing, a major Libourne wine shipper, in 1770. In 1919, Canon was purchased by Monsieur and Madame Fournier. They invested a great deal of effort and know-how in the property and transmitted their passion for fine wine to their grandchildren. Canon's sub-soil is full of underground galleries dug out of solid limestone (in fact, a former quarry).The topsoil is clay. Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines are grown in the traditional way. The grapes are hand-picked with two specifics selection on sorting table and the wine is fermented in double walled stainless steel vats integrating a thermo-regulation system. Both Grand Vin and Clos Canon aged in oak barrels prior to bottling. Canon is famous for its power, finesse and tremendous ageing potential.Thanks to its inimitable soil, the wine of Canon has been much appreciated around the world for over two centuries. In 1996, the estate was acquired by Chanel Inc. which is undertaking a large-scale programme of renovation of the vineyard and buildings. ©ugcb
