Chateau Canon 2006 Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B《Terroir Collection - TF518》

tarting life as part of the Clos St-Martinvineyard, this Saint-Émilion estate was acquired in 1760 by Monsieur JacquesKanon, thanks to the substantial profits he made as a privateer capturingEnglish ships for King Louis XV. For 'privateer', read pirate; apparently,sometimes, crime does pay. Kanon expanded his holding outwards (did he, wewonder, capture the surrounding vineyards too?) before selling it to a Bordeauxwine merchant, Raymond Fontémoing, for a tidy sum.

From there it passed to the Fournier family, whoploughed much time and money into the estate and its vineyards. In 1996 itpassed to Chanel. They, too, have undertaken extensive renovation andreplanting.

The 32 hectares are made up of 70% Merlot and 30%Cabernet Franc, with the average vine age now close to 30 years following allthe ferocious replanting. Classified a Premier Grand Cru Classé, Château Canonis widely recognised as a distinguished, superlative wine; ripe, mineral andopulent, a wine for those with the patience to wait.

Good ruby-red. Pure, high-pitched aromas of blackberry, violet and mint. Supple but vinous, with an attractively juicy quality to flavors of black fruits, licorice, violet and minerals. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and a note of iron. On the light side but nicely balanced and attractive.