This famous St-Émilion is a 1er Grand Cru Classé (B) property, planted with 30% Cabernet Franc and 70% Merlot, is owned by Chanel who also owns Château Rauzan-Ségla in Margaux. A classic Canon vintage, meaning one without excess, where the precision of the winemaking is able to shine. 2001 was the last year before the introduction of manual sorting (although there was always manual harvesting) but it doesn’t seem to have done any harm. This is rich yet nuanced, with a seam of fresh minerality running alongside the merlot and cabernet franc fruit; cassis and redcurrant but just starting to head towards tertiary truffle-and-liquorice flavours in the best possible way. A wine that keeps an elegant distance, encourages you to take your time. (Drink between 2015-2030)
94 Wine Spectator
Shows a stronger singed alder note, with more aromatic details of black tea and mulled spice, giving way to a maturing core of macerated blackberry and raspberry fruit. Delivers woodsy hints through the finish, presenting excellent length and a buried chalky accent.—Non-blind Canon vertical (December 2016). Drink now through 2026.
