Canon 2014

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. 2018 - 2038

A fresh, pure style, with lots of floral and black tea notes out front, followed by a tightly focused beam of red currant, plum and raspberry coulis flavors. The finish sports a mouthwatering chalky spine and lovely perfume that should develop more with time. For fans of minerality. Best from 2022 through 2032. 6,665 cases made.

Perfumed and fragrant the nose has charm the black fruits overlaid with violets. The fruit is sweet the mid palate has depth richness cassis and blackberry. Fresher at the back a lovely balance bright with well handled tannins the finish slightly richer the fruit sweet. 2022-36

The 2014 Canon has a very well-defined, precise bouquet with ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry scents infused with minerals. The aromatics here are utterly captivating. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and very well-judged acidity. There is tension and poise to this Saint Emilion, gently fanning out with a delicate spicy finish that lingers long in the mouth. Though surely destined to be over-shadowed by the extraordinary 2015, this Canon deserves a berth in your cellar. Drink date 2020 - 2050

The Château Canon 2014 is a blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the estate moving towards the latter in terms of its new plantings, which will possibly see 40% in 15 or 20 years time. It was picked from 22 September until 6 October for the Merlot and three days later for the Cabernet Franc, matured in around 80% new oak. It has a glorious bouquet with great purity and delineation: raspberry, wild strawberry and small red cherries, very pure and harmonious. The palate is medium-bodied with sensual ripe, filigree tannin, just the right amount of salinity, precise and mineral-rich towards the exquisite, pure and “classic” finish. This is outstanding for the vintage – a sublime Château Canon that might dare rank alongside the 2009 and 2010. If this represents the valedictory Canon from John Kolasa, then what a way to bow out. Drink: 2018 - 2038.

A wonderful Canon with fabulous finesse and class. Full-bodied yet refined and polished. It touches your senses. Shows Right Bank made excellent wines in 2014!

Tasted blind. Splits the difference between all these styles: composed and mouth-filling. A bit forward but satisfying. Ripe but not heavy. Meaty. Well done! Long.Drink 2023-2038

Mid to deep crimson. Full, opulent nose. Sweet start and then a little pinched on the end - there isn't the broad sweep of fruit on the palate that was suggested by the nose. Correct but very introvert. One of the more youthful St-Émilions. Drink 2024-2032