Croix Canon (2nd label of Château Canon) 2019

From sandy soils on the plain, below Berliquet and next to Jonathan Maltus' new winery, the 2019 Croix Canon offers up aromas of raspberries, plums, loamy soil and raw cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, ample and charming, with melting tannins and succulent acids, it's already drinking well.

The 2019 Croix Canon has a classically-styled bouquet with tobacco and cedar infused black fruit, more Left than Right Bank. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, but this is well-balanced, quite old school in style with a fresh, sapid finish. I can imagine finishing a bottle easily, though it needs cellar time. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2025-2048.

The 2019 La Croix Canon is deep garnet-purple colored. Plum preserves, spice cake, and potpourri drift from the glass with hints of tilled soil and moss. Medium to full-bodied, firm, and tightly knit, it delivers impressive intensity and a firm, grainy texture, finishing earthy.

The 2019 Croix Canon has a finely delineated, floral bouquet, wilted iris petal and violet scents permeating the mixture of black and blue fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with silky-smooth tannins, cohesive and poised, with a touch of white pepper on the finish. This is very impressive, and the best Croix Canon that I have tasted.