2006 Chateau Canon, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France 750ml

The nose is fruity, fresh, gourmand and offers a beautiful finesse and freshness. It reveals notes of fresh cassis, red fruit and fine notes of mocha associated with touches of cornflower, juicy blueberry, fine touches of undergrowth, a few discreet oaky notes as well as a discreet note of zan. The palate is fruity, gourmand, beautifully elegant, fat, suave, harmonious, a beautiful finesse, tight and offers a beautiful freshness, a good density, a beautiful finesse of the grain and a beautiful frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, cassis and strawberry associated with fine touches of Garriguette strawberry, very slight notes of mocha, oak, hints of dried red fruits as well as a discreet hint of dried rose and licorice. Tannins are fine and well built. Good length and persistence with touches of cocoa and grilled oak. Beautiful harmony! The wine must be decanted before tasting.

The 2006 Château Canon has a vivid, kirsch and wild strawberry bouquet with touches of orange zest and marmalade, a touch of mushroom in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, sage and melted tar. There is wonderful structure here, superb salinity, completely fulfilling the promise it demonstrated out of bottle. Perhaps yes, I was a little over-enthusiastic at that time, but after ten years it has foraged wonderful focus and vivacity. Seek this out. Tasted January 2016. (NM)

A big, dark, rich wine with an impressively opulent structure allied to fresh, bright Merlot character. The flavors of black berry juice are followed by chocolate, bitter coffee and vibrant acidity, which gives freshness to the finish. (RV)