Château Canon 1988, presented here in magnum format, is a reputable red wine from the esteemed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation within Bordeaux’s Right Bank. This wine is typically crafted predominantly from Merlot, with a significant portion of Cabernet Franc, a blend that imparts both structure and aromatic complexity. The 1988 vintage was notable in Bordeaux for its moderate weather, producing wines with finesse, balanced ripeness, and fine acidity. Château Canon’s vineyards occupy a privileged location on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, endowing the wine with elegance and a marked minerality. Traditional vinification techniques, combined with careful maturation in French oak barrels, have allowed this wine a profound capacity to evolve gracefully over decades. The magnum format further encourages slow, harmonious development, helping to preserve the wine’s vibrancy into maturity.
Saint-Émilion is an historic appellation, celebrated for its walled medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage status. The region’s vineyards benefit from a temperate maritime climate, with westerly winds from the Atlantic moderating both summer warmth and winter chill. The soils are rich in limestone and clay, ideal for Merlot, and conferring freshness and depth to the wines. Saint-Émilion’s viticultural traditions date back to Roman times, giving its wines a profound sense of place and continuity.
Now at full maturity, Château Canon 1988 reveals savoury tertiary aromas of leather, truffle, and forest floor, with lingering notes of dried plum and tobacco. It would pair beautifully with classic dishes such as duck breast in a red wine sauce, roasted lamb, or a traditional entrecôte à la bordelaise. For a local touch, serve it alongside cannelés for an intriguing contrast between savoury and sweet.
When serving this wine, decant gently to separate any sediment, and pour at a temperature of 17-18°C. Allow the wine to breathe for up to an hour to fully reveal its subtle bouquet and velvety palate, taking care to enjoy its refined texture and complexity while it remains in its optimal drinking window.
