2018 Croix Canon, St Emilion, Bordeaux

This is not a second wine of Canon but a separate vineyard that borders Canon in one small section. The 2018 Croix Canon comprises 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, with a pH of 3.69 and 14% alcohol. 

Deep garnet-purple in colour, it opens with Morello cherries, black raspberries and stewed tea notions, giving way to hints of menthol, tobacco, sandalwood and fragrant earth, plus a waft of dried mint. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has surprising elegance with plenty of freshness lifting the softly textured red and black fruit preserves, finishing on an iron ore note.

The 2018 Croix-Canon has a lovely, high-quality nose of exuberant black cherry and black plum fruit, perhaps showing more mineralité than when I tasted it from barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with an edgy, very graphite-infused entry, still smooth but with a sharp, fresh finish and residues of cracked black pepper lingering on the aftertaste. Excellent.

Drink 2022 - 2038

A creamy and pretty red with lots of dried flowers and spices with fresh fruit. Minerals, too. Medium-to full-bodied. Chalky.

The 2018 Croix Canon is a total pleasure to taste today. Sumptuous and inviting, with so much appeal, Croix Canon is a fabulous wine to drink now and over the next decade, maybe more. Soft curves, silky tannins and pliant fruit give the 2018 so much charm. Dark plum, spice, new leather, rose petal and mint all wrap around the juicy finish. In a word: exquisite.

Drink 2025 - 2033

The second wine of this terrific estate, the 2018 Château Canon Croix Canon, is well worth your time and money. Deep purple-hued, with a sumptuous bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, tobacco leaf, damp earth, and graphite, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a fleshy, rounded mouthfeel, no hard edges, and a great finish. 

This is pure Saint-Emilion pleasure and is ideal for enjoying any time over the coming 15 years. I suspect it will be even better with 3-4 years of bottle age.

Drink 2024 - 2036

The vineyards used for Croix Canon are a little lower down on the slopes, on limestone, clay and sand, giving good aromatics but less depth than the grand vin. It's elegant and fresh, and good for earlier drinking. There were no blockages in either Cabernet or Merlot at Canon, and this 2018 is a great wine.

Clean, fresh aromatics are apparent right from the off. The aromas just keep on coming in the glass, with scents of blueberry and raspberry, leading to a palate of beautiful tension and freshness. There is clear emphasis on the juicy, intact and intense fruit here.

Drink 2025 - 2040