1985 Château Canon
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Tasting notes
Another relic from a pre-Wertheimer era (see my note on Rauzan-Ségla 1985). Very old nose and a decidedly sweet palate that's a definite improvement on the nose. Quite long actually. Better than the Rauzan-Ségla 1985. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Tasted single blind at the 1985 horizontal in London, the 1985 Canon was clearly better than the 1985 Magdelaine that was poured alongside. It has what you might describe as an "old school" nose with dark fruit, mulberry, smoke and a dab of the old boot polish. It is not as refined as more recent vintages but it expresses the character of the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity and a masculine personality that would lead you more towards Saint Julien rather than Saint Emilion. It does not have enormous length, but there is panache here, a Canon that is only interested in giving the imbiber enjoyment in lieu of intellectual stimulus. It achieves that purpose. Drink over the next five to eight years. Tasted July 2015.
About the producer
Ch. Canon is one of the top estates in Saint-Emilion, classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé “B”. Positioned on the region’s limestone plateau, it produces one of the appellation’s most elegant wines.