Showing spectacularly, the 2017 Chateau Canon checks in as a final blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc that’s from one of the most exceptional terroirs in the appellation. Hitting 14% alcohol (the pH is 3.66), it reveals a ruby/purple hue as well as gorgeously sweet raspberries and cassis-like fruit interwoven with notes of spring flowers, rose petal, white chocolate, and spice. While it doesn’t have the massive opulence of the 2015 and 2016, it’s more classically styled as well flawlessly balanced, with a terrific sense of minerality, ultra-fine tannins, and a brilliant finish. Give bottles 5-7 years in the cellar, and it will evolve gracefully for 30-40 years. Hats off to Nicolas Audebert as well as the team of Thomas Duclos for one of the wines of the vintage!

(94-96) With a dark red-purple color, the wine is supple and sleek. The fruit is ambrosial. There is vigor and length. The finish lingers along the tiers of ripe dark and red fruits and glycerin. Formulated from a blend of 73% Merlot and 27% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% alcohol.

(96 points) Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Canon bursts from the glass with expressive notions of baked black cherries, kirsch, plum preserves and black raspberries plus hints of red roses, Ceylon tea, black olives and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant and refined, with a soft, finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. The blend is 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc and it was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new.- LPB

Extremely perfumed with blackcurrants, flowers, gunmetal, gunpowder and blackberries. Full-bodied, tight and reserved. The tannins are so tightly knit and just run through the center. Needs at least three or four years to open. A blend of 77% merlot and 23% cabernet franc. Better after 2023.

Cabernet Franc dominant, with raspberry leaf, blueberries, wild strawberry, rosemary and sage, with touch of rhubarb and salted caramel at the close of play. This has a real sense of energy, it is light of touch, deft and enjoyable. No need to wait to drink this although no hurry also. 56% new oak. No frost here on the St Emilion plateau compared to many in the appellation, so less issues with ripening, although there was still rain in September, giving a lighter framed vintage compared to the ones on either side. 42hl/h yield, 56% new oak, harvest September 4 to 27. 3.66ph.

Dark and dense, this is a massive wine. Big tannins are paralleled by concentrated blackberry fruits to give a wine that is both juicy and impressively rich. Structure and power are likely to be tamed as the wine ages. Drink from 2024. - ROGER VOSS

Another successful year for Canon; not as voluptuous as in 2016 or 2015, but it has a wonderful salinity and a crisp, fresh curl to the fruit. They aim for crystalline flavours, vibrant fruit and a sense of forward motion, and for me it has that again this year. The flavours of blueberries, blackberries and soft, smoky almonds are drawn out through the palate, and by the time it has finished you are ready to go again. It has an austerity that is overridden by the juice, not quite overriding the vintage, but it's a delicious wine that again showcases the beauty of limestone. 50% new oak. Thomas Duclot is consultant here, and it really is a great year for the estates that he works with. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-canon-st-emilion-1er-grand-cru-classe-b-2017-20429#1eAEh7v37fMeukW4.99

A subtle savory note leads the way, backed by ample cassis, plum and black cherry fruit aromas and flavors. Tobacco and dark earth details fill in on the finish, which shows solid cut and drive. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038. — JM