Canon La Gaffeliere 2019

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Canon la Gaffeliere opens with an incredibly evocative perfume of lilacs, Morello cherries, black raspberries, jasmine and Sichuan pepper over a core of ripe black plums, wild blueberries and dark chocolate with touches of iron ore and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals an edifying intensity of electric blue and black fruit layers, supported by a rock-solid frame of firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with a firework display of fruit, mineral and spicy nuances. A thrilling wine from the get-go and one that should age very well!

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: William Kelley

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.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Canon La Gaffelière is utterly fabulous. All the elements come together in a Saint-Émilion that dazzles with its completeness and total sense of balance. Raspberry jam, blood orange, spice, lavender and dried flowers infuse the 2019 with captivating nuance. La Gaffelière is a rich, potent wine that exudes class and pedigree right out of the gate. In a word: superb.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Canon La Gaffelière is a nervous, tightly wound wine. Then again, we are talking about a Cabernet Franc-driven Saint-Émilion. Sweet red berries, mint, blood orange and spice pulse with tremendous energy. Aromatically expressive and deep, Canon La Gaffelière builds effortlessly over time, leading to a bright, saline and mineral-drenched finish that is a thing of beauty. The 2019 shows much better from a full bottle (as opposed to a half), with silky tannins that emerge with a touch of aeration. I won't be surprised if the 2019 is even better from bottle than this note suggests.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2019 Canon-la-Gaffelière is quite punchy and bold on the nose. Blackberry and raspberry fruit, cedar and mint emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins, quite plush yet cohesive, fanning out towards the velvety finish with a brush of white pepper on the aftertaste. One of the more approachable Saint-Émilion wines in this vintage. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2019 Canon La Gaffelière bides its time in the glass, tightly wound at first, then unfurling to reveal vivacious red berries, crushed violet and light iodine aromas that are all exquisitely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and perfectly judged acidity, seamless and harmonious. It gently builds with just the right amount of sapidity on the finish. Is this among the best Canon-la-Gaffelière ever made? Most definitely.

vinous95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2019 Canon La Gaffelière was picked from 19 September to 7 October at 51hl/ha and sees 60% new oak. It has a very focused bouquet, tight at first and benefitting from an hour's aeration. Eventually it reveals glorious red berry scents mixed with cedar, loamy soil and a pinch of cracked black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh with a return of that black pepper note right on the finish. Excellent.