2014 Château Canon, St Emilion, Bordeaux

Tasted blind. 

A bit closed on the nose. More undergrowth than fruit and a touch leafy. Light-bodied so that tannins are rather dry and the acidity gives notable freshness, but there’s nothing forced here.

Drink 2024 - 2030

While a step back from the 2015, the 2014 Château Canon is still a strong effort that shows the hallmark elegance of the 2014 vintage. Black raspberries, cherries, exotic spices and lots of floral notes emerge from this medium to full-bodied, extraordinarily elegant, seamless Saint-Emilion that shines for its complexity and nuance more than for power and richness. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming 15-20 years.

Drink 2018 - 2038

Predominantly Merlot. Continues in a classical, elegant mould. Pure and fragrant. Refined tannins and texture. Lovely freshness and length. Structured for ageing but guided by the philosophy of drinkability.

Drink 2022 - 2034

The 2014 Canon is delicate, polished and restrained, with a 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.

Drink 2018 - 2034

An enjoyably melted tannic structure, with the white pepper and saffran lick of limestone, sappy rise on the finish, with raspberry, redcurrant, and crushed roses, generous and creamy through the mid-palate although you might want to head to the 2009 at this point for an even clearer example of that, as Canon takes time to reach its peak). This has poise and delicacy, and excellent balance. 36hl/h yield, 80% new oak, 3.7ph, harvest September 29 to October 9. John Kolasa's last vintage, with current director Nicolas Audebert overseeing ageing.

Drink 2024 - 2042

Intense aromas of minerals, chalk, bright cherries and stones. Full-bodied, tight and silky; very linear. Like a straight shot. Give it three to four years to soften. Vibrant is the word.

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.

Drink 2022 - 2050