2019 Ch Canon 1er Cru Grand Classe, St Emilion

The 2019 Canon has turned out brilliantly in bottle, wafting from the glass with complex aromas of raspberries and red plums mingled with notions of raw cocoa, dark chocolate, pencil shavings and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and multidimensional, it's one of the most refined, elegant right bank wines of the vintage, with a deep core of fruit, beautifully refined tannins, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. This is a superb achievement for Nicolas Audebert and his team.

97 points William Kelley robertparker.com

Blackberries, blueberries and dark chocolate with bark, mushrooms and chalk. Lavender, too. Full-bodied with firm tannins that are polished and velvety. White pepper, gesso and crushed stone. It’s full-bodied and layered with tightness and focus and a long finish. It’s solid and stalwart, as usual. Reminds me of the very special 1955. One for the cellar. Give this until 2026 to see what it really has.

97 points jamessuckling.com

Sleek, elegant and appealing even before you get your nose near the glass. Aromatically it is deep and rich, and then it revs up and takes off. Dense, compact and intense, zingy limestone vibrancy and grip. Winemakers say they are looking for balance all the time, but here you feel it, with tiny pulses of electricity that appear from beginning to end of the palate. Salinity on the finish with gunsmoke and extremely moreish blueberry and blackberry fruit, with a creamy texture as things open up. 50% new oak. Thomas Duclos consults. Drinking Window 2028 - 2050

98 points Jane Anson decanter.com

Château Canon occupies one of the most privileged positions in Saint Émilion, its vineyards stretching across the famous limestone plateau immediately outside the medieval village walls. Acquired by the Wertheimer family of Chanel in 1996, the estate has undergone a remarkable renaissance and now sits comfortably among Bordeaux's elite.

The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot with a significant contribution from Cabernet Franc, thriving on limestone and clay soils that bring both richness and freshness to the blend. The outstanding 2019 vintage produced wines of exceptional purity and balance, and Canon delivered one of the appellation's benchmark performances.

The colour is a deep garnet with vivid purple reflections. Aromas of black cherry, cassis and plum are joined by violets, graphite and cedar. As the wine opens, layers of dark chocolate, crushed stone and subtle spice emerge, adding further complexity. The palate is beautifully poised, combining concentration and power with remarkable elegance and precision. Silky tannins frame the dark fruit core, while the finish lingers effortlessly with mineral and savoury notes.

Magnificent with roast duck, beef Wellington, lamb shoulder or truffle scented mushroom dishes worthy of the occasion. Already captivating with decanting, this is a wine destined to evolve gracefully for decades.