1998 Chateau Canon Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x75cl

Vinous 86-88

Medium ruby-red. Slightly high-toned, oaky aromas of plum, cherry, brown spices (cinnamon, mace) and shoe polish. Supple and rather understated, nicely sweetened by the oak. Finishes with suave, ripe tannins. Sweeter today than the ’99. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2000]

Wine Advocate 90

Tasted at the Chateau Canon vertical, the 1998 Canon needed patience. The aromatics are very tightly knit and initially the 1998 seems a little anonymous. Then, after several minutes is begins to unfurl with a classic Saint Emilion nose: blackberry, leather, a touch of animal fur and a light marine influence. The palate is very well balanced, fresh in the mouth with a fine line of acidity. This is an elegant, understated Canon that is quite different from many of the more opulent Saint Emilions. This is more linear and perhaps old fashioned, a retro-styled Saint Emilion. But there is a great wine here if not quite at the level that I have found in the past. Tasted October 2015. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027

JancisRobinson.com 16.0

Deep healthy crimson with a lot of development at the rim. Evolved, mild nose. Not especially assertive but well balanced. Fairly traditional build with quite a lot of fine tannins well hidden under a cloak of velvety fruit – but not dramatic! Some might overlook this quite easily. [11/03/2006]

Anticipated maturity: 2006-2012