2009 Chateau Canon Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x75cl

Neal Martin 91

The 2009 Canon has a loose-knit, quite sensual bouquet that does not have the same depth or mineralite as recent vintages like the 2015 and 2016. The warmth of the summer comes through here, a touch of garrigues. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin, a little more advanced than say, the Canon-la-Gaffelieres with a spicy, black pepper and sage tinged finish. Enjoy this over the next decade, but is it a long term Canon? Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits’ annual Ten Year On tasting. [Neal Martin, 14/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2035

Stephen Tanzer 92

Ruby-red. Superripe, slightly roasted aromas of cherry, graphite, spices and herbs. Then thick, sweet and very ripe on the palate but a bit youthfully restrained. This full-bodied Canon could use a bit more lift but maintains very good focus. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and excellent length. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2012]

Vinous 92-95

Red-ruby color is less dark than most other ’09 Saint-Emilions, which to me is not at all a bad thing. Refined, perfumed aromas of redcurrant, almond flower, incense and cinnamon. Enters the mouth light and fresh, displaying attractive red berry and mineral flavors nicely framed by sound acidity. This very well balanced wine seems almost too easy to drink now but has excellent focus and grip, and plenty of inner-mouth energy. No doubt it will develop more complexity and depth with bottle age. Almost Burgundian in style, this is a subtle wine of real substance and nuance, made in a less showy style that is not out to grab headlines. One of the most successful Canons in a long time. [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2010]

Wine Advocate 97

Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Canon is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notions of rare beef, cast iron pan, cigar boxes and cloves with a core of baked plums and mulberries plus a waft of dried lavender. Full, richly fruited and sill quite youthful, the palate has a firm yet velvety texture and seamless freshness supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and mineral laced. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 22/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2050

JancisRobinson.com 17/20

Tasted blind. Light nose. Big and dense and ambitious but a bit dominated by dry tannins at the moment. Will they fade soon enough to reveal lively fruit? [13/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2035