Tasted single blind at the 1985 horizontal in London, the 1985 Canon was clearly better than the 1985 Magdelaine that was poured alongside. It has what you might describe as an "old school" nose with dark fruit, mulberry, smoke and a dab of the old boot polish. It is not as refined as more recent vintages but it expresses the character of the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity and a masculine personality that would lead you more towards Saint Julien rather than Saint Emilion. It does not have enormous length, but there is panache here, a Canon that is only interested in giving the imbiber enjoyment in lieu of intellectual stimulus. It achieves that purpose. Drink over the next five to eight years. Tasted July 2015.

I have always thought highly of this wine. It's ripe and fleshy, offering up loads of fruit and medium tannins. Delicious now, but will improve.--Canon vertical. -JS

Just approaching full maturity, this St.-Emilion offers a delicious combination of aromatics and flavors, including kirsh, cherries, minerals, and smoky oak, as well as a soft, medium-bodied, lush, mellow, and nicely textured palate. This charming, rich, stylish wine is now at its plateau of maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007. Last tasted 12/97