We are trying to keep it brief here…these are two compelling releases, both under the ownership of Chanel and made under the direction of Nicolas Audebert, namely Château Canon and Château Berliquet in St.Emilion. Simon's offer, with notes, below.
Château Canon continues to steal the limelight on account of its rich vein of form, which has placed it comfortably in the upper echelon of St. Emilion estates. Château Berliquet – which may not have been on your radar before now – has undergone a dramatic shift in style and quality since being purchased by Chanel in 2018. This small property lies adjacent to Canon and benefits from similar terroir on the limestone plateau. Based on our assessment of the 2018 vintage, the first under the new ownership, I think this will be a château to watch.
I include my note on each and Antonio Galloni's notes below.
2018 Château Canon
£525 per 6 bottle case in bond
A blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc. The 2018 Canon reveals a floral lift to its cool ripe berry fruit on the nose, but what impresses most is the combination of richness allied to finesse. There is an almost understated feel about this wine, but don’t be fooled there is plenty of power and substance, but it is the wine’s poise that is flawless. Ample, juicy, fresh dark fruits are beautifully underscored by racy mineral notes rendering this Canon totally captivating. There is a really fine sense of cool ripeness here, coupled with sleek, finely expressed tannins and an overriding sense of harmony. Stylish and lithe, particularly in the vintage context, this will be a fasincinating and hugely rewarding wine to follow. Drink 2025 – 2045. (SL)
(94-97) points, Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Canon bristles with energy, tension and explosive, vertical lift. Dark, powerful and full of personality, Canon is magnificent in 2018. Time in the glass brings out a range of dark fruit, mineral, floral and saline notes, but readers will have to be patient in order to enjoy the 2018 at its fullest splendor. Most importantly, I am blown away by how much precision and persistence there is given the wine's concentration and overall richness. The 2018 Canon is magnificent. That's pretty much all there is to it. The blend is 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon. Technical Director Nicolas Audebert added that he and his team left more leaf cover to protect the fruit from the extreme heat and dryness of the summer. Once in the cellar, extractions were done as gently as possible, Audebert explained. Tasted four times.
2018 Château Berliquet
£200 per 6 bottle case in bond
A blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. A first release for Berliquet under the new ownership. The aromas reveal attractive rjuicy stone fruits and small dark berries. Again, this shows a fine freshness – that sense of cool ripeness – nothing overblown. There is a gently assertive mineral vein provides a tauter mineral impression, but overall it is the juicy, abundant fleshy-natured fruit that creates this wine’s appeal. Stylistically, it leans towards Canon in terms of purity and poise. A very attractive first vintage that will provide enjoyable drinking after a five to six years in bottle and could be a snip if sensibly priced. Drink : 2022 to 2030. (SL)
(90-93) points, Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Berliquet represents a major stylistic shift under the guidance of Nicolas Audebert and the technical team at Canon. Plump and juicy, the 2018 offers an explosion of fruit that gives it a distinctly exuberant personality. A joyous, radiant wine, Berliquet expresses the natural radiance of the vintage in a forward, juicy style that offers tons of near and medium-term appeal. The wine's fruit and overall density are both impressive, to say the least. This is the first vintage made by the Nicolas Audebert and the technical team at Canon following Chanel's acquisition of the estate in 2017. The blend is 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. Tasted four times.
Please let us know of your interest and note that in light of demand and reduced volumes, it may very well be necessary to limit purchases of Canon as there is 20% less stock than last year.
A reminder to read our 2018 Bordeaux Report if you haven't had the chance to do so yet. We are also listing all pricing that we think may be of interest, as and when wines are released.