Canon Cardinal
Canon Fronsac - 2022
The Vineyard
Managed according to the most demanding environmental practices, the Canon Cardinal vineyard is located in the village of Fronsac. It consists of a single 1.21-hectare parcel, with an average vine age of 55 years.
Appellation
Surface
Terroir
Grape varieties
Strictly hand-harvested. Transported in crates. Sorted before and after destemming.
Temperature-controlled stainless steel vat. Post-alcoholic fermentation maceration for 3–4 weeks.
Winemaking
Grape harvest
Winemaking
Appellation Canon Fronsac Contrôlée
1,21 ha
Clay-limestone
100% Merlot
14 months in oak barrels – 50% new oak, 50% one-wine barrels
Ageing
Ageing potential
2037-2040
Mise en bouteille au Château
The 2022 Vintage
Another Record-Breaking Vintage : 2022
Between heatwaves, drought and intense sunshine, the 2022 vintage left a lasting impression. An extraordinary year, both revealing and thought-provoking. Revealing, first and foremost, of the climate change already underway, and of its effects, which are proving to be far more rapid and intense than previously anticipated. Thought-provoking, as it raises serious concerns about the future of our planet and, to a lesser extent, the future of our vineyard.
Despite climatic conditions never before recorded in Bordeaux since the 19th century, the Bordeaux climate proved remarkably well suited to the expression of a truly great 2022 vintage. Flowering was rapid and even, with no coulure or millerandage. Berry growth came to a halt before véraison, which itself occurred rapidly and evenly. Analytical parameters reached levels above the highest concentrations recorded in recent vintages, while the grapes remained in perfect sanitary condition at harvest. All the conditions for perfection came together.
“Exceptional” was the term unanimously used by both specialist and national press during the harvest and in their first impressions following alcoholic fermentation. Some even went so far as to describe the 2022 vintage as “mythical”. For Stéphane Derenoncourt, “it is an incredible vintage that reminds me of 1982”, a “legendary” vintage considered among the greatest of the past 50 years. By the time of the en primeur tastings in April 2023, enthusiasm had grown even further, with some referring to it as the “vintage of the century”. In any event, and without a doubt, 2022 is a truly great vintage.
The combination of intense sunshine and drought also demonstrated the remarkable ability of varieties such as Merlot to adapt to extreme climatic conditions. Grape ripeness was exceptional, particularly tannic ripeness, resulting in silky, fine-grained tannins. The wines display a rich concentration of phenolic compounds and exceptionally deep colour, with pronounced aromas of red and black fruit. The fruit combines a distinctly sun-kissed character with an underlying freshness. A vintage that promises remarkable ageing potential.
Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier in the World, tastes Canon Cardinal 2022
he 2022 Canon Cardinal was tasted by Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier in the World. In this tasting, he explores the limestone terroir of Fronsac, the old Merlot vines, and the wine’s ageing process, before sharing his assessment of the vintage and its ageing potential.
Andreas Larsson's opinion
Andreas Larsson describes the 2022 Canon Cardinal as a particularly chalky expression of Fronsac, combining bright freshness with dense, concentrated fruit. He notes aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant, violet and truffle, complemented by hints of toast and butterscotch from the oak ageing.
He also highlights the well-integrated oak, the wine’s persistence and balance. While not a massive wine, it offers impressive concentration and great drinkability. In his view, this structure should allow the wine to evolve gracefully over the next 10 to 15 years.
Comments
Guide Hachette de Vin 2026 - 2 Stars – Special Recommendation
The first vintage of this cuvée, and already a first “Special Recommendation”. This wine comes from a one-hectare parcel located on the limestone plateau. Elegant yet powerful, the nose combines the fruit of perfectly ripe Merlot (red berries, violet) with spicy and vanilla notes from its carefully tailored ageing. Supple and remarkably fresh, the attack leads into a beautifully dense, enveloping mid-palate, supported by velvety tannins. The finish is indulgent, long and minty, bringing the tasting to a magnificent close. “Harmonious, smooth, complex” — the jury is unanimous.
ANDREAS LARSSON - Score : 93/100
The wine displays a very dark, almost black core, enhanced by purple highlights. The nuanced nose reveals fine oak, notes of toast and butter caramel, accompanied by ripe dark fruit, along with subtle chalky and floral nuances. On the palate, the wine is dense while retaining remarkable freshness. The aromas unfold in layers, revealing ripe dark fruit, crushed plum and blackcurrant, beautifully integrated oak, sweet spices and round tannins. The finish is long, persistent and elegant.
Vert de vin - 92-93/100
Magnificent nose, fruity, creamy and wonderfully indulgent, with beautiful concentration. It reveals notes of Boysenberry, vibrant wild strawberry and hints of crushed red berries, complemented by floral nuances and liquorice. The palate is beautifully juicy and fruit-driven, with minerality, freshness, a delicate fleshiness and plenty of indulgence. Juicy, fleshy cherry, wild strawberry and subtle touches of tangy blackcurrant mingle with refined mineral notes and liquorice stick. A lovely acidity and hints of chocolate emerge in the background. The tannins are savoury and beautifully integrated. Pure indulgence!