2001 Canon

95 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

This famous St-Émilion is a 1er Grand Cru Classé (B) property, planted with 30% Cabernet Franc and 70% Merlot, is owned by Chanel who also owns Château Rauzan-Ségla in Margaux. A classic Canon vintage, meaning one without excess, where the precision of the winemaking is able to shine. 2001 was the last year before the introduction of manual sorting (although there was always manual harvesting) but it doesn't seem to have done any harm. This is rich yet nuanced, with a seam of fresh minerality running alongside the merlot and cabernet franc fruit; cassis and redcurrant but just starting to head towards tertiary truffle-and-liquorice flavours in the best possible way. A wine that keeps an elegant distance, encourages you to take your time.

94 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Shows a stronger singed alder note, with more aromatic details of black tea and mulled spice, giving way to a maturing core of macerated blackberry and raspberry fruit. Delivers woodsy hints through the finish, presenting excellent length and a buried chalky accent.--Non-blind Canon vertical (December 2016). Drink now through 2026.

94 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2001 Canon is a vintage that I have not encountered for a few years, and it was the surprise package of this dinner, exceeding my expectations and those of others. Impressive red berry fruit on the nose, wild strawberry and black plum, leans more towards black fruit as it unfolds in the glass, with touches of pencil box and a distinct marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied, finely-tuned with chiseled tannins. Much more minerally than anticipated, it fans out wonderfully on the finish while maintaining absolute control. It's not a flashy Canon, but one that is now peaking. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York.

91 POINTS

James Suckling

There’s a clarity and harmony to this wine now, with subtle aromas of berries, earth and hints of bitter chocolate. Medium-to-full body with fine tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Very fine indeed.

91 POINTS

James Suckling - Wine Spectator

Beautiful aromas of chocolate, berries, cherries and earth. Very complex and classy. Medium- to full-bodied, with very refined tannins and a long, fresh finish. A delicious, balanced red. Canon is clearly back on top and making excellent wines nearly every vintage. Best after 2008.

WeinWisser

(80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet France): Mitteldunkes Rubin-Granat. Recht Schlankes, aber lebendiges Bouquet, Johannisbeertouch, helles Leder, feine Kräuter, im Finale Spuren von Karamell und Pralinen, sehr gute Länge. 2009-2017. 17/20

Jancis Robinson

Dark ruby with considerable evolution at the rim. Lightly funky nose, round, mellow fruit. Very easy to like the soft juicy fruit now but there is some density. Score: 16.5/20

Jacques Dupont - Le Point

Nez un peu gibier, touche de truffe, sous-bois, bouche épicée, fraîche, délicate, tanins soyeux, frais, élégant, délicat, bonne longueur, avec des notes cacao et épices, mûr à point. À boire, très savoureux aujourd'hui. 16/20