19 Rene Gabriel
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte. Vielschichtiges Bouquet, zeigt viel schwarzbeerige Frucht und ist mit ganz feinen Kräuternoten durchsetzt. Im Gaumen dicht, feinfleischige Textur, liefert eine fordernde Adstringenz welche aber mit reifen Tanninen bestückt ist, im Finale Cassis, Lakritze und Tabakspuren, sehr nachhaltiges Finale. Ein grosser Canon, so gross wie sein eigener 2009er, aber dann doch viel klassischer. Sehr langes Leben. 19/20 2024 – 2045
97 Wine Spectator
A plush, inviting style, with warmed fig and plum sauce notes taking the lead, picking up swaths of cocoa, tobacco and roasted alder along the way. Features plenty of pumping bass, but if you pay attention, there’s a laser of chalky minerality driving the finish. When the baby flesh drops away, this will sail in the cellar for some time. Best from 2022 through 2045. 7,500 cases made.—J.M.
96 Robert Parker
Composed of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc and aged for 18 months in 70% new and 30% one-year-old barrels, the 2015 Canon is boldly fruited with blackberry preserves, black cherry compote, fruitcake, mocha and plum preserves with suggestions of Indian spices, licorice and black olives. Full-bodied and packed with ripe, rich dried berries and exotic spice layers, it has a firm, slightly chewy structure and just enough freshness (the pH is 3.78), finishing long and savory. Give it another 2-3 years of cellaring to soften its edges and allow its flavor spectrum to fully emerge, and drink it over the next 20 to 25+ years.