Tasted at the Château 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