CANON LA GAFFELIERE [ST. EMILION] 2019 750ML

The 2019 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is another brilliantly perfumed wine in the vintage that shines for its complexity, finesse, and nuances. Giving up awesome notes of red and black currants, tobacco, exotic flowers, cedarwood, and loamy earth, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, beautifully polished, integrated tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is serious juice that warrants at least 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30 to 40 years. Best after 2026.

Aromas of dark plums, blueberries, bark, dried leaves, mahogany, licorice and nutmeg. It’s medium-to full-bodied with silky, ripe tannins. Layered and supple with a stylish and polished finish. Voluptuous. One of the best in a long time.

The 2019 Canon la Gaffelière has turned out brilliantly, bursting from the glass with a dramatic bouquet of wild berries, blood orange, exotic spices, rose petals, violets and burning embers. Full-bodied, ample and layered, it's supple and perfumed, with a deep core of lively fruit, melting tannins and a long, saline finish. This contains the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc of any of Stephan Von Neipperg's wines, which no doubt helps to account for its singular personality. Best after 2025.

I love the balance on display here, of powerful and softly whispering fruits, a tightrope of acidity and tannins giving structure. Great stuff, with the impact of 2018 but more freshness, although still with the signature glamour of a Neipperg wine in full flight.

Pepper, bay and roasted tobacco notes give this a distinct persona out of the gate, while sous bois and mulled plum, black currant and black cherry fruit flavors fill in behind. Singed juniper and alder hints add form through the finish. Serious kudos for its range and character, but may be a touch too old school for some folks. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024.