Canon 2005 (6.0L)

96 JA / 96 WA / 94 JS / 93 WS

Layers of flavour, each one subtle and seductive, asking you to stop and think. You get the first hints of leather and truffle, as with the 2000 vintage, but here the texture is barely-there silk. Really at the beginning of its drinking window, showing brambled summr fruits, floral peony and rose, with touches of saffron, fennel and oyster shell. Perfect to open and drink now but it feels anchored in place, and you will be able to get exactly this pleasure in another 10, 20 or more years. Harvest September 20 to 28, ph 3.55. 60% new oak. 35hl/hyield. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The Chateau Canon 2005 has a more complex nose than the Clos Fourtet tasted alongside. It is tightly wound at first with black cherries and dried violet petals, terracotta tiles and brown spices. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very well-judged acidity. This is very harmonious in the mouth, nicely structured with great precision and persistence. There is a sense of reserve here, but it has a compelling complexity that will surely be enhanced with bottle age. Its wines like these that remind you why this has such as devoted following that includes yours truly among its number. — Neal Martin, 96 Points Wine Advocate

Aromas of fresh cep mushrooms, berries, spices, roses, and sous bois, give way to hints of milk chocolate and vanilla. Full and rich, with beautifully balanced tannins and a long finish. Loads going on in this wine, yet it remains subtle and beautiful. This needs time. Pull the cork after 2015. - 94 Points James Suckling

Shows a lightly roasted edge at first, with raspberry and boysenberry confiture notes laced with melted licorice, singed alder and firm graphite details. Reveals a fine chalky hint, but this has more bass than treble overall. Still rather tight.—Non-blind Canon vertical (December 2016). Best from 2020 through 2030. 4,200 cases made. — James Molesworth, 93 Points Wine Spectator