CHÂTEAU CANON LA GAFFELIÈRE

The 2020 Canon-la-Gaffelière has a vibrant and energetic bouquet driven by the 30% Cabernet Franc (from a massale selection) and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This gives it a Left Bank slant in a positive sense, lending dimension. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, focused and saline, with a definite marine influence, undercurrents of brine and a touch of black olive compote. Beautifully composed on the finish, this is a delicious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Drinking range: 2028 - 2045 Rating: 93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Feb 2023)

Ripe, fresh and expressive, with beautiful mulberry, boysenberry and blackberry puree notes that work well with light sanguine, black tea and singed apple wood details throughout. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2029 through 2040. —J.M. Drinking range: 2029 - 2040 Rating: 95 The Wine Spectator, www.winespectator.com (Dec 2022)

I sometimes find Canon-La-Gaffelière a little too oaky and also a little too tannic in its youth but this 2020 is perfectly balanced and while the percentage of new oak remains the same, the alcohol in this vintage is lower than normal and the concentration of the fruit flavours is deliciously heightened. This is a stunning wine with a very attractive perfume and a complex palate and it is finishes with a discreet, minty flourish that freshens the tannins and lifts back end of this wine making it all the more enticing. Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Canon La Gaffelière is a strict, severe wine, almost unnaturally so. At this stage, the 2020 is all acid and tannin, and yet behind that lies a vibrant core of fruit. The big Franc aromatics, often such a signature, are nowhere to be found. Inky red berry fruit, blood orange, spice and star anise emerge with a bit of coaxing, all framed by a spine of serious tannins that are at once incisive and well-balanced. Readers should plan on being patient, as the 2020 is going to need years to come around. Despite its reticence, the 2020 appears to have significant potential down the line. Drinking range: 2032 - 2050 Rating: 94-96+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Canon-la-Gaffelière is beautifully defined on the nose, featuring lavish black cherries, boysenberry, tobacco and cracked black pepper aromas. This is endowed with impressive precision and the oak is very well integrated. The medium-bodied palate delivers sappy black fruit, fine balance and poise and a lightly spiced, edgy, almost citrus-like finish. Packed to the rafters with vim and vigor, this is a superb Saint-Émilion. Drinking range: 2028 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Lots of blue fruits, leafy herbs, chocolate, and earthy goodness emerge from the 2020 Château Canon-La-Gaffeliere, a medium to full-bodied, dense, focused, elegant Saint-Emilion that needs plenty of air to show at its best. The purity of fruit is remarkable, and while it starts out tight and focused, it blossoms with air, showing a more expansive, layered, rich yet still fresh texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s a thrilling Saint-Emilion readers should snatch up. Rating: 95-97 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

Concentrated and intense, with juicy liquorice and blackberry flavours dominant on the attack. This is an excellent wine showing beautiful tension with slate and crushed stone texture. Chocolate shavings, bitter and intense, give a kick on the finish. Even better after 24 hours of opening, which is an extremely good sign for an en primeur sample. A yield of 32.5hl/ha. 50% new oak. Drinking range: 2027 - 2044 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

Very refined and polished with minerally, almost salty character. Full body and beautiful, compact tannins. Racy finish. Excellent drive to this at the end. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2021)

55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Almost earthy, vineyard-fresh feel to the nose and palate. Flows gently, building discreetly to a persistent finish. Attractive fruit and fine-grained tannins. Ageing potential. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 17 James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)