Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Canon - 1970

Château Canon 1970 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a remarkable illustration of Bordeaux’s right bank finesse. This vintage is a blend predominantly based on Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc, typical of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines. The 1970 growing season in Bordeaux was marked by a warm, dry summer that encouraged slow, even ripening, resulting in wines of exceptional concentration and structure that have proved to age gracefully in large formats such as a jeroboam. The terroir of Château Canon is defined by its limestone plateau and clay hillside soils, which provide ample drainage while retaining the necessary moisture and impart a signature vibrancy and minerality to the wine. Traditional vinification methods, involving gentle extraction and maturation in French oak barrels, shape the wine’s elegant tannins and complex bouquet, which with age evolve into secondary notes such as leather, truffle and dried fruits, while the core of red and black fruits develops a silky, almost ethereal character.

Saint-Émilion itself enjoys a temperate oceanic climate—mild winters and warm summers, tempered by nearby rivers. The region’s soils are a patchwork of gravel, clay and limestone, which foster both richness and freshness in its wines. Deeply rooted in history, Saint-Émilion is known for its monolithic architecture and ancient winegrowing techniques that date back to Roman times. The appellation is especially celebrated for the depth and ageing potential of its Grands Crus.

A mature Château Canon from such a vintage calls for sophisticated pairing. Classic dishes such as roast saddle of lamb with rosemary, pigeon with wild mushrooms or even a traditional French beef tournedos would be magnificent. Local regional fare, like entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak with red wine and shallot sauce), highlights both the supple tannins and the nuanced aromatics. Allowing the wine’s aged complexity to shine alongside earthy accompaniments such as truffle risotto or cèpes is equally delightful.

Owing to its age and noble format, this wine deserves thoughtful service. Decant gently to separate it from any sediment, and allow it to breathe for at least an hour. Serve at a cellar-cool temperature of 16-18°C to enhance its bouquet and texture, revealing its full, matured elegance and harmonious finish. This is a wine for special occasions, offering a rare journey into Bordeaux’s vinous heritage.