Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle, the 1971 Canon has never been one of the greatest wines from what was a fine Right Bank vintage. There is some maturity in terms of color with wide bricking on the rim. The nose has a rather ill-fitting sweetness that suggests some enthusiastic chaptalisation, quite ferrous with that rustiness I commented upon when I lasted tasted it in 2011. The palate is balanced but simple, rather loose knit with tart cherry fruit and a splash of balsamic towards the light and simple finish. It is a harmless 1971, but frankly a long way behind either Figeac or Cheval Blanc this year. Tasted February 2016.

Other bottles of '71 have been near outstanding in quality. This is only just makes the very good rank. Has a ripe, fruity, earthy character, firm tannins and a slightly dry finish.--Canon vertical. -JS