2023 Château Canon

the history of Château Canon

Château Canon is among Saint-Émilion's most prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classés. The estate boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century and was named after Jacques Canon, the first owner to plant vines there. In modern times, Canon has undergone a true renaissance. After decades of relative inactivity, the estate was revived through replanting and rigorous viticultural work between 1996 and 2003. Since then, Canon has been led by a dedicated team, committed to prioritizing finesse and precision. Today, Château Canon is considered one of Saint-Émilion's flagship vineyards.

the terroir of saint-émilion

Canon's vineyards are situated on the renowned Saint-Émilion limestone plateau, which ensures excellent drainage and a constant supply of minerals. The soil consists of a solid limestone layer covered by a thin layer of clay ranging from 25 to 70 centimeters in depth. This homogeneous terroir gives the wines their characteristic tension, freshness, and mineral undertones. The vineyards comprise 22 hectares, primarily located on the plateau, with a few small plots in the city and near the neighboring Berliquet appellation. The current area is planted with approximately 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

vineyard management and vinification

The winemaking team works with great care in the vineyard, choosing cover crops and a sustainable approach to promote biodiversity. The plots are restructured through a combination of mass selection and carefully chosen clones. In the cellar, the emphasis is on finesse over raw power. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels, approximately 50% of which are new. The tonneliers used include Taransaud, Demptos, Sylvain, and Quintessence. This approach produces wines that are rich and layered, yet always elegant and precise.

the style of 2023

The 2023 vintage is considered one of the most impressive in Canon's recent history. The growing season yielded healthy grapes with a wonderful balance of ripeness and freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied, deep, and seamlessly structured. The nose reveals aromas of mulberry, raspberry, violets, rose petals, licorice, and spice. The palate is concentrated yet elegant, with a vibrant fruity core framed by silky, powdery tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long and mineral, with a subtle tension that characterizes the wine.

reviews and potential

The Wine Advocate awarded the 2023 Château Canon 96-98 points. William Kelley describes it as a brilliant wine that confirms the estate's impressive revival. He praises the wine's layering, precision, and minerality, emphasizing that Canon now ranks among the very best Saint-Émilion wines. Its aging potential is excellent: this is a wine that will continue to develop in the cellar for decades, its balance between freshness and complexity gaining depth.

Would you like to order Château Canon wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

• Grilled duck breast with fig compote – the sweet and sour notes combine beautifully with the ripe fruit and mineral tension of the wine.
• Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic – the spiciness of the dish is enhanced by the floral and herbal notes of the wine.
• Mushroom risotto with Parmesan – the creamy texture of the risotto complements the fine tannins and depth of the wine perfectly.
• Venison steak with red wine sauce – the powerful game meat is balanced by the lively acidity and concentrated fruit.
• Grilled aubergine with thyme and olive oil – the earthy flavours of the dish harmonise with the minerality of the wine.
• Ripe hard cheeses such as aged Gouda or Comté – the salty, nutty notes enhance the length and layering of the wine.