2015 Château Canon La Gaffelière
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Tasting notes
This estate has gone from strength to strength, with Clive Coates going as far as to say that it is now “a contender for First Growth status.” He continues, writing that “Canon La Gaffeliere is… a wine of elegance and personality. Today it is one of the best of the grands crus classes.” Robert Parker is also a huge fan writing that “this exuberant wine is made in a forward, opulent, sumptuous style…” The 2015 Bordeaux vintage is living up to our very high expectations. For James Suckling it is “a new benchmark” thanks to the phenomenal quality across the board and he emphasises that “no place on earth can make reds quite like the 2015s from Bordeaux.” He is clear in what his readers should do, writing that “I suggest buying some if you haven’t already” while Perrotti-Brown singles out St Emilion for particular praise.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Only 56% Merlot. Tasted blind. Blackish ruby. Fragrant and then charmingly sweet on the palate. Tannins hardly in evidence. Just a hint of charcoal on the end. Oxidised with time in the glass. (JR)
The 2015 Canon-la-Gaffelière has a forthright and comparatively opulent bouquet with lavish black cherry, red plum and a deft sprinkling of brown spices. These aromatics want to make an impression. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy entry and gentle grip but there is structure and body to this Saint-Émilion. This is peppery on the finish. Fine, but this does not move me as much as its peers. This is disappointing after such a bright performance several years ago. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners.
The 2015 Canon-la-Gaffelière has an open and slightly savory bouquet that is well defined with light fig aromas developing in the glass, dovetailing into more floral/violet notes with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, fine acidity, quite fresh but tightly wound at the moment. I appreciate the brightness and energy on the finish, but it will need time in bottle. Bon vin! Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
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.