2005 Canon 2005 1500ml

96 POINTS

Neal Martin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Tasted single blind at Southwold. One of the great 2005 Saint Emilion wines. It has a supremely well-defined nose with black cherries, boysenberry and plum on the nose – nicely integrated oak and a touch of cold steel. Ethereal purity. The palate is ripe plumy on the entry, wonderful balance and purity, succulent and showy on the finish but not overbearing with notes of blueberry, violets and plum. Good length and poise. Sensuous and velvety smooth. Diving. Drink 2010-2025+ Tasted January 2009.

95 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2005 Canon is all brawn and muscle. Chunky tannins give the 2005 a decidedly virile feel. There is plenty of depth and freshness - this is after all one of the very best sites in all of Bordeaux - so the 2005 will hold for many years to come. Dark fruit, leather, smoke, gravel, crushed rocks and spice linger on the potent finish. Tasting the 2005 today really highlights how far Canon has come in recent years

94 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2005 Canon is an absolute gem and, like many 2005s, is beginning to shed its tannins and become more approachable and terroir-driven. Red berry fruit, undergrowth, hints of singed leather and warm gravel manifest on the nose, plus just a touch of hot bricks in the background, and perhaps terra-cotta. The palate is not muscular but shows fine backbone. The tannins, having softened in the last couple of years, frame a mélange of red and black fruit intermixed with bay leaf and clove. Kudos to winemaker John Kolasa, who oversaw this vintage and was instrumental in the estate’s rejuvenation.

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Aromas of fresh cep mushrooms, berries, spices, roses, and sous bois, give way to hints of milk chocolate and vanilla. Full and rich, with beautifully balanced tannins and a long finish. Loads going on in this wine, yet it remains subtle and beautiful. This needs time. Pull the cork after 2015.

94 POINTS

James Suckling - Wine Spectator

Dense and juicy, this wine show intense fruit with a velvety texture. Chewy. Very grapey. Fresh acidity.

93 POINTS

Robert Parker - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A strong effort from Château Canon, the 2005 offers a saturated ruby/purple color followed by beautiful floral notes intermixed with black raspberry, black cherry, and some crushed rock. Medium to full-bodied, with extraordinary elegance and precision, this stunner is showing better now than it was early in its life. This wine is set for another three decades of longevity. (93+)

93 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2005 Canon has a powerful, almost "thick" nose of tarry black fruit laced with liquorice and bergamot scents. It lacks a bit of delineation but has plenty of charm. The palate is medium-bodied with dense tannins and layers of liquorice-tinged black fruit, dried blood and ferrous elements. This appears to have gained some muscle, rendering it a "burly" Canon that might benefit from bottle age and/or a long decanting. Tasted at the château.

Jacques Dupont - Le Point

Nez mentholé, mirabelle, nez expressif un peu sur des notes sucrées de fruits blancs, touche épicée, sous-bois, bouche ronde, épicée, tendue, fraîche droite, beaucoup de classe, relevé en finale. Très persistant. Dernière année dans les anciennes cuves en bois (30 ans). « On a produit 32 hectolitres à l'hectare ; l'assemblage comprend 80 % de merlot et 20% de cabernet franc. La vendange était très saine, magnifique même, il n'y avait pas grand-chose à écarter. Du temps des anciens propriétaires, en 1995 par exemple, ils ont produit 8 000 caisses. Nous, avec ce millésime pourtant exceptionnel, nous ne produirons que 3 400 caisses. » 18/20