1989 Canon la Gaffeliere
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Tasting notes
The 1989 Canon-la-Gaffelière has quite a deep color with little aging on the rim. The earthy, rustic bouquet features iron filings, meat juices and wild mushroom notes; it is certainly very different from today’s wines. The well-balanced palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and leather and chestnut notes, and a little austere in style with just a touch of hardness on the finish. Yet I would happily drink this. Drink soon, as I feel it will shortly begin to dry out. [As an aside, von Neipperg said he prefers the 1988.] Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle at the château .
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Both the 1989 and 1990 wines were consistent with past tastings. The 1989 appears to be developing beautifully, although more quickly than I initially thought. The wine's dark garnet color reveals some amber at the edge. The wine possesses a big, lavishly-wooded, herbal, olive, black fruit-scented nose, attractive notions of soy and Asian spices, thick, juicy fruit, medium to full body, and a soft, supple texture. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Silky and elegant. Perfumes of blackberry and cassis follow to a medium-bodied palate with fine tannins and a sweet fruit finish. Very fine indeed.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000. – James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1999
About the producer
Owned by the Von Niepperg family (along with one of the original garage wines, La Mondotte), Ch. Canon-la-Gaffelière is known for its opulent, plush style of Saint-Emilion and high percentage of Cabernet.