Château Canon la Gaffelière - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe11/8/2017

Mid crimson. Dark, spicy and a nice mineral rocky quality. Dry but succulent and really elegant on the palate. Extremely fine tannins. Elegant but rich in fruit in the middle.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94-96 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Deeply concentrated color leads to a serious escalation of flavor combined with sleek, silky tannins and a saline minerality. There is a dance of freshness, length and depth in the long, spicy finish. On the palate, this wine is soft yet vibrant with a fresh, sweet, black cherry and red licorice finish. Made from a blend of 55% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine reached 13.7% alcohol with a pH of 3.65.

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere is a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 19 September and 6 October at 37 hl/ha and matured in 55% new oak barrels. It has another "cool" bouquet, a common thread among Comte Stephan Von Neipperg's 2015s - very restrained at first, nicely focused and gradually revealing undergrowth and even a subtle charcoal scent (probably from the Cabernet Sauvignon). The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit laced with graphite and cedar, the Cabernet brothers really defining the character of this Saint Emilion and edging it towards say, more Figeac in style. This is a fascinating 2015, more cerebral than previous vintages that I have tasted over the years. Drink 2020-2045

Bettane & Desseauve

18-18,5 / 20

the4/28/2016

Très belle fraîcheur aromatique, distinction fruit rouge, grande élégance de tannin, maturité et fraîcheur, aucune lourdeur, aristocratique et profond, superbe. 55 % merlot, 7 % sauvignon, 38 % franc.

Decanter.com

93 / 100

byJames Lawther MWthe4/28/2016

Pure and fragrant with a delightfully perfumed nose. The palate is harmonious and poised with a velvety texture showing maturity and freshness. Fruit very much to the fore backed by fine-grained tannins and a persistent finish. Now organically certified. 2022-2038

Vinous

95-97 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Canon La Gaffelière is seriously impressive. Like all of Stephan von Neipperg's wines in this vintage, the Canon La Gaffelière is endowed with considerable richness and a sense of vertical structure. The significant presence of Cabernet Franc gives the wine striking aromatic lift, which it very much needs. Mocha, red cherry jam and sweet floral notes give the 2015 its soaring perfume. This exceptionally beautiful Saint-Émilion is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive, even in the early going. The 2015 has been nothing short of magnificent on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. The presence of Cabernet Franc is felt in the wine's strong aromatic signature.

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/26/2016

Only 55% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. 55% new oak. Purplish crimson. Quite heady. Lots of Cabernet leafiness (picked up to 6 October). Racy, sinewy. Far from a blockbuster. Drink 2025-2038

timatkin.com

95 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Wine Enthusiast

94 / 100

the4/15/2016

93–95. Barrel Sample. Perfumed and fruity, this crisp wine is shot through with acidity as well as bright black-currant flavors. The tannins are smoky, hinting at the wood aging, although they're likely to integrate well with the fine fruitiness.

René Gabriel

19 / 20

the4/10/2016

55 % Merlot, 38 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 % Cabernet Franc. 39 hl/ha. Sattes Purpur-Granat. Es ist vielleicht doof zu schreiben, dass ein Wein in erster Linie nach kaltem Schwarztee duftet, aber, wenn man den besten seiner Klasse meint, dann kann es keine Beleidigung sein. Im zweiten Ansatz; Lakritze, Vanillemark, Korinthen und eine reife Frucht, welche sich aber nicht in eine unbändige Süsse hineinsteigert, auf alle Fälle kann man hier von vollreifen Beeren sprechen. Im Gaumen gross, legendäre Tannine, die dem Körper eine mächtige Körperstatur verleihen, nachhaltiges, minutenlanges Finale. 19/20 2024 – 2042

Jamessuckling.com

96-97 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

Very tight yet shows wonderful cream and lemon rind texture. Full and powerful with walnut and spice character. Linear and focused. 55% merlot, 37% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon.

Wine Spectator

94-97 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

Dark and winey, with currant paste and fig notes backed by slightly briary grip and an ample dose of toast. There’s good energy here and nice vivacity, despite the darker profile today, and this should easily round into form after the élevage.—J.M.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,25 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre et intense. Nez discret. Bouche caressante, au corps élancé, de bonne densité, juteux, savoureux, s'achevant sur une longueur normale et une tannicité sans angle. Je ne suis pas sûr que la climatologie de 2015 soit favorable aux sols de ce cru.