WTN: 1989 Chateau Canon St. Émilion Grand Cru

Opened for my daughter's graduation from high school. I don't have a lot of experience with older Bordeaux but I'd sure like to get some. Deep ruby red core but maybe slight bricking at the edges? Fantastic nose of currant, earth, cedar. My descriptions of the palate fail me. Rich, almost mouth coating sensation, blueberries, but subtle tiny wild blueberries, not big fruity grocery store ones. There is a vague sweetness initially. The earthy notes are subtle warm cozy and comfortable, not jarring. This is a hugely integrated wine with soft lovely tannins at the edges and a wonderful persistent finish that made it all to easy to drink some more. The only nit to pick is an occasional mint or eucalyptus note that came and went and didn't seem to belong. Overall a very nice wine.

I don't have a lot of experience with older Bordeaux but I'd sure like to get some.

Same here, Howard. Especially with the pre '82 wines. A friend opened a bottle of 1981 Domaine de Chevalier not too long ago and I think the experience has changed my appreciation for Bordeaux. It also ruined things a little bit for me in that it is a little bit harder now to enjoy younger Bordeaux after the 81 DDC. When I hear people lament the stylistic changes of the current wines, I have a little inkling of what they are referring to.

Thanks for the note, and congratulations on your daughter's big day. Where is she headed next?

Marc

The only nit to pick is an occasional mint or eucalyptus note that came and went and didn't seem to belong.

I don't remember that! It has been a while since I've last tasted Canon, but I really did like the few I've tried. They all seemed so natural and as if everything was just in the right place. Thanks for the note.

The only nit to pick is an occasional mint or eucalyptus note that came and went and didn't seem to belong.

Hi Otto,
I didn't really know what to make of that and in all honesty my brother-in-law didn't taste that at all. It didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the wine either.

Hi Marc,
She's going to take a year off to do some traveling/community service stuff. Also work a bit, then she'll go to University of Vermont in the fall of 2008.

The only nit to pick is an occasional mint or eucalyptus note that came and went and didn't seem to belong.

Hi Otto,
I didn't really know what to make of that and in all honesty my brother-in-law didn't taste that at all. It didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the wine either.

I seem to remember Anders sometime in Chat telling me that warm years can be rather volatile. I find mint/eucalyptus to be very close to VA so could this be the "problem" as '89 was a rather hot year? Anders, do tell me, if I misunderstood/misremembered what you told in chat a year ago!

-O-