2020 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion

2020 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion

The 2020 Canon-La-Gaffelière was one of the most impressive surprises of our tastings of 2020 Bordeaux. This has considerable vibrancy, perfectly refined tannins, and lots of dark fruit and a savoury finish. It's one for the long haul, but a wine we'd be delighted to have in our cellars going forward.

Critic score
94.5/100 info

This wine is now sold out. Please get in touch with your advisor or one of our team on [email protected] or 01473 313 300 for more information or guidance on an alternative.

Wine details

  • Region & country
    Saint-Emilion, Right Bank, Bordeaux, France
  • Maturity
    Young 2026 - 2049info
  • Colour
    Red
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Still
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
  • ABV
    13.5%

Tasting notes

Very refined and polished with minerally, almost salty character. Full body and beautiful, compact tannins. Racy finish. Excellent drive to this at the end.

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (May 2021)
95—96/100

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.

Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)
94/100

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.

Neal Martin, vinous.com (May 2021)
(93—95)/100

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.

Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (April 2021)
17/20
Château Canon-La-Gaffelière

Winemaking at Château Canon-La-Gaffelière can be dated back to the 17th century, although its name is derived from the french word gaffet, in reference to the leper colony that was sited on the land. It was bought in 1971 by Joseph-Hubert von Neipperg and the family has significantly improved its quality and reputation. They also own several other Bordeaux wineries including the ultra-pricey, garage wine, < a href="/search?searchtext=la%20mondotte">La Mondotte. Nestled at the base of the St-Emilion slopes, just down the hill from Ausone, Canon-La-Gaffelière’s well-placed vineyards grow a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Thanks to the work of Stephan von Neipperg, the estate is now certified organic and since 2000 has undergone an extensive replanting program. In the winery, emphasis is placed on as little interference as possible to make a wine which authentically expresses the vintage. Today Canon-La-Gaffellière is renowned for its elegance and finesse.

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