The 2012 Canon is a Bordeaux blend that has earned its reputation as a wine of distinction and elegance. Hailing from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France, this red wine is a harmonious blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. It has a pleasingly deep garnet color that invites the eye and the palate.
The first thing you notice with this wine is its vibrant bouquet. It has been described as having an understated and refined perfume, with notes of ripe black cherries, wild strawberries, asphalt, and blood orange. These scents are beautifully focused and rich, expressing an intense fruit volume that is very pure. The wine also has a touch of saffron and tobacco leaf aromatics, adding a delicate, complex layer to its nose.
On the palate, the 2012 Canon shows a remarkable finesse. The tannins are very fine, providing a silky smooth mouthfeel. It has a medium-bodied profile, with a silver thread of acidity, making it feel light and lively. The taste encompasses a range of flavors, from blueberry, blackberry, and walnut, to chocolate, graphite, and cedar. It also features a touch of smoky, meaty tones that add to its complexity.
The finish is long, fresh, and polished, leaving a lingering taste of sweet fruit, mineral, earth and espresso. The wine is tight and dense, with an extremely polished tannin structure. Despite its intensity, it has an impressive sense of vivacity that makes it a standout in its vintage.
The 2012 Canon is a cerebral wine that will reward cellaring. It is recommended to wait until 2018 or later to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. With an alcohol percentage of 14.2, it strikes a balance between strength and subtlety.
Expert reviewers have consistently praised this wine, with scores ranging from 92 to 97. The 2012 Canon is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of its producer, making it a wine worthy of any connoisseur's collection.