2019 Château Canon

74% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc. Very dark crimson. Seductively fresh dark and dark-red fruit with cedary freshness – smells fresh even before you put the wine in your mouth. More scented as it opens. Juicy, succulent, the tannins relatively light (NB no Cabernet Sauvignon in Canon) but sufficient. A little bit of heat at the back of the throat. More approachable than the Rauzan-Ségla 2019 just tasted. (JH)

The 2019 Canon has a very pure and airy bouquet with pressed rose petal and iris flower scents infusing the red fruit. Nicely integrated oak, though it becomes a bit chocolaty with time. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled and pliant tannins, harmonious, gentle grip but it doesn't quite kick on towards the finish and leaves you wanting a bit more. I've had better bottles at the property, although it remains an outstanding Saint-Émilion. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

The 2019 Canon has a very pure and airy bouquet with pressed rose petal and iris flower scents infusing the red fruit. Nicely integrated oak, though it becomes a bit chocolaty with time. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled and pliant tannins, harmonious, gentle grip but it doesn't quite kick on towards the finish and leaves you wanting a bit more. I've had better bottles at the property, although it remains an outstanding Saint-Émilion. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.