Croix Canon, St Emilion, Grand Cru, 2023

Name: Croix Canon, St Emilion, Grand Cru
Brand: Château Canon
Price: 154 GBP

Available Vintages

all 2021 2022 2023

justerini & brooks tasting note

Croix Canon hails from a plot below Berliquet. Although it's billed as a second wine, it really has its own identity. After a rather unusual blend in 2022, this is a return to a more classical cépage of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc. This is still a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc than usual, but this is something we are likely to see for the foreseeable future as a parcel of Merlot has been pulled up. Aromatic, juicy and rather delightful. Lifted and energising with lots of crushed rocks, flowers and bright, crisp raspberry fruit. Finishes with sweet and salty fruits. Sophisticated tannins for a second wine and some real finesse. Very good.

critic reviews

88-90/100Neal Martin,Vinous

The 2023 Croix Canon is matured in 27% new oak, including four foudres. It has a light, slightly tertiary bouquet with dark berry fruit and a touch of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy-textured entry, light briny notes and just a very small attenuation toward the finish. This is a pretty second wine—one I would broach within the first six to eight years.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2035

date of review 04/2024

91-93/100William Kelley,Robert Parker Wine Advocate

As I wrote early this year, the last few vintages of this bottling have established its status as one of Bordeaux's finest second labels (though since it derives from dedicated holdings below Berliquet, it's not a "second wine" in the strict sense), and the 2023 Croix Canon is further proof of that thesis. Bursting with aromas of raspberries, cherries, kirsch and licorice, this blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc is medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a lively core of fruit and fine, elegantly chalky tannins.

date of review 04/2024