Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Saint-Émilion 2020 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B BIO

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

At the foot of the Saint-Émilion hillside, Canon-la-Gaffelière is the flagship estate of Stephan von Neipperg, who succeeded his father. This German aristocrat, himself an oenologist and agronomist with a degree from Montpellier and whose family owns extensive vineyards in Wurtenberg, has become one of the most dynamic and innovative winemakers in the Libourne region. Knowing how to play on both the power of the constitution and the finesse provided by the delicious Cabernet Franc from the pied de côte, he has restored full expression to the château's wines, which fully deserve their new status as premier grand cru classé.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the domain :

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

In less than ten years, Stephan von Neiperg, with the help of Stéphane Derenoncourt, has restored the wine to its 1950s stature, incorporating all the advances of modern, well-managed oenology. Promoted to the rank of premier grand cru classé, certified organic in 2014 (an example that should leave a lasting impression), the estate is continuing its in-depth work based on a collection of Cabernet Franc massal selections and good rootstock choices, "with the aim of building a vineyard for the next fifty and sixty years". The warm, early-ripening soils of the hillside are ideally suited to these Cabernet Francs, which add finesse and nobility to the wine's tannic structure. The sacrifice of part of the volume explains the extraordinary concentration, but without artifice, of recent vintages.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

Canon La Gaffelière 2020 is heady, sumptuous and utterly exotic. A wine of striking depth and intensity, the 2020 possesses extraordinary balance right from the start. Ripe red plum, blood orange, pomegranate, spice and leather harmonize effortlessly. Real presence and depth. Time in the glass brings out the purity of the flavors. I can't wait to see how it ages. 2030-2050

James Suckling

About the wine:

Very refined and polished, with a mineral, almost salty character. Full body and fine, compact tannins. Racy finish. Excellent dynamism on the finish.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Even though Cabernet Franc is present at 30%, it seems to me that it manifests itself with improbable relevance! It's the floral nuances that first come to the fore. The wine displays exceptional depth from the outset, yet is at the same time tasty and taut! A sort of tightrope walker who knows perfectly well that he won't topple over because he has a very clear objective ahead of him. To cross the decades and delight a large number of palates. A wine full of energy, vigor, tension and serenity. It's brilliant, highly accomplished and exceptionally fresh. 2028-2050

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity, fresh and offers depth, a lovely stretch, a lovely finesse of grain as well as a certain richness and concentration in subtlety/balance. Notes of bright blackcurrant, violet and, more lightly, rose are combined with touches of lilac, bright blue berries, fine hints of aniseed, aromatic herbs and a subtle hint of vanilla bean and Madagascar pepper. The palate is fruity, elegant and offers freshness, definition, precision, greed, a little richness (in freshness and finesse), roundness, subtlety, fullness, minerality and precision. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of boysenberry, bright blackcurrant and, more lightly, bright blue berries, combined with touches of lilac, cornflower, subtle hints of saffron, black tea and discreet hints of tonka bean, toast and toasted hazelnut. The tannins are precise and finely mellow. Good length. Presence of a little chewiness and a subtle sapid hint on the finish/persistence. A wine of finesse, delicacy and fullness.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Considered to be one of the best vintages produced here, this wine has strong floral characteristics. Once past the initial bouquet of white flowers and dried roses, there are nuances of plums, black cherries, black raspberries, mint and cigar wrapper. The palate offers a lush, opulent, vibrant and energetic backdrop for its deep red fruit richness and oceanic influences. The finish has a touch of salty chalk that adds complexity to the richness of silky, ripe red fruit. Drink between 2025 and 2050.