2014 Chateau Canon 'Croix Canon' Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé

Second wines are an excellent way to taste the winemaking styles of a Bordeaux house without breaking the bank. And then there is Croix Canon, this wine is sourced from an entirely different plot than the Chateau Canon's first wine, but rest assured it is given the same attention to detail in its production. The vineyard surrounds a 12th-century chapel and is actually right next to the vineyards of the always impressive Angelus. This is one of the best value buys on the right bank, particularly with 8 years of age on it. This bottle is ready to drink and is showing promise to age beautifully for the next 5 to 10 years.

As one of just 18 Premier Grand Crus in Saint Emilion, Clos Canon has a big reputation to live up to. Year after year, it is more apparent that this estate has earned and deserves to maintain this highly-coveted status. Even in years that one would expect a lower performance, Canon still delivers delicious age-worthy wines. Chateau Canon has been on a roll over the last few years. 2015 was James Suckling's wine of the year. 2016 brought "to the table a whole other level of sophistication," according to Wine Advocate. Both vintages have already been described as historic and this is a wine to cherish for the long haul. Very limited availability.

This is just starting to showcase some tertiary aromas, with a touch of cigar and cedar intermingling with the dark fruit on the nose. On the palate this is medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins, in an absolutely beautiful place right now on its journey to maturity.

The crushed-berry and lemon-rind character is beautiful on the nose and the palate. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and silky. Lovely texture and length. Refined. Drink in 2020. ~92 James Suckling

The 2014 Croix Canon, the estate's second wine, emerges from a parcel nestled between Berliquet, Vieux Château Mazerat and Angélus. A blast of dark red stone fruit, smoke, tar, licorice and earthiness hits the palate in a wine that is dense and powerful, yet also weightless and quite classic in conception. It is precisely those contrasts that make the Croix Canon so compelling. The Croix Canon is not sold en primeur, but when it is eventually released, it will be a must-buy. ~90-92 Antonio Galloni

Long, linear and refreshing in style with juicy fruit and vigour. Blueberry and spice aromatics, and a certain grip on the finish which drives it. Drinking well now but should hold. Drinking Window 2019 - 2026 ~90 Decanter