2023 Chateau Canon

Other Reviews...
The 2023 Canon has turned out brilliantly, unfurling aromas of cassis, mulberries, rose petals, raspberries and violets. Medium- to full-bodied, it is layered and finely textured, built around a seamless, deep core of fruit framed by powdery, velvety tannins and concludes with a long, chalk-inflected, crystalline finish. Highly expressive of its terroir through its powdery tannins and limestone-driven finish, it is also very much of its vintage, combining vibrant acidity with an unusually approachable profile. This is a blend of 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc, all matured in 50% new oak. Drink 2030-2053.
98 points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Canon has really come together with élevage. Pliant and supple, the 2023 Canon is a wine of pure and total seduction. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, mint and blood orange all take shape in the glass. The 2023 doesn't quite have the dynamic energy of the very best years, but it comes close while also offering more early accessibility than those wines. Tasted three times. Drink 2033-2063.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

This may be one of the wines of the vintage, with brightness and ethereal character that give it an almost magical presence. Aromas of violets, lavender and blackberries with transparency and vividness. It’s medium-bodied with elegance and presence that give endless length. A benchmark. The tannins and acidity caress every millimetter of your palate. 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc. Try after 2030, but already a joy to taste.
99 points
James Suckling

Based on 71% Merlot and 29% Cabernet Franc and aged 16-18 months in 50% new oak including three foudres, the 2023 Château Canon is a more medium-bodied, finesse-driven wine compared to its sibling Château Berliquet, which is always a bigger, richer wine. It offers red fruits, crushed stone, graphite, chalk, and floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it's focused, with good acidity, just about flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. Give it 3-4 years if you can and this will be a classic Canon to enjoy over the following two decades. It reminds me slightly of the 2001. Tasted multiple times. Drink 2029-2046.
96+ points
Jeb Dunnuck

Another excellent wine from the team at Canon benefitting from its position on the limestone plateau. Deep florals, violets, black fruits, some purple fruits too with cocoa powder and cool fresh blueberries. Smooth and so refined, this has a comfort in the mouth that few others have - a certain weight that defies the vintage - almost fleshy but more thick juice rather than lean, with a sweet core as well as biting acidity that provides a great contrast. This is a serious wine, it has structure and movement, supple tannins, so fine with a touch of chalk, strawberry, cranberry and red cherry fruit with liquorice spice on the finish. Assured winemaking, ripe fruit, great acidity and body, ending clean and pure with wet stones and graphite touches. Just delicious, a wine that tastes great now and feels like it’ll always be that way. Expansive in the best way. Ageing 16-18 months in 50% new oak as well as foudre. 3.42pH. Drink 2030-2050.
98 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter