The 2012 Canon Bordeaux Blend, originating from the esteemed Saint Emilion region of Bordeaux, France, is a red wine that has garnered considerable praise from critics for its complexity and potential for aging. This vintage showcases a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, bottled with a 14.2% alcohol content.
Neal Martin of Neal Martin's Wine Journal provides an exceptional review, scoring it 96 points and describing it as "understated and refined" with "vibrant red berry fruit" and a "masculine, structured finish." He emphasizes its potential for cellaring, indicating a wine that will reward patience. Similarly, The Wine Independent awards it an impressive 97 points, noting its "muscular, tight-knit fruit" and a long, minerally finish, advising that "it needs time."
James Suckling, who scores it a 93, highlights a "blueberry, blackberry and walnut character" with "extremely polished tannins and a long finish," while Wine Enthusiast notes the wine's "dense, extracted" nature with "dark coffee and bitter chocolate flavors," awarding it 94 points. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoes the sentiment of improvement over time, praising its "pure" and "well-defined" character and a "thrilling sense of frisson."
Other reviewers such as Jeb Dunnuck and Jane Anson provide consistent praise, with Dunnuck describing it as "rich, smoky, meaty" with "terrific concentration," and Anson highlighting its "tightrope balance" of flavors. Tracey Rose from JJ Buckley also commends its expressive nature, with "sweet fruit" and "hints of mineral, earth and espresso."
With its complex profile and potential for aging, the 2012 Canon is a wine that commands attention and promises a rewarding experience for those who choose to invest in its future development.