Château CANON-LA-GAFFELIERE 2020

Description

Yves Beck 95-97 points www.yvesbeck.wine
55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Que de fraîcheur et de subtilité dans ce bouquet. Il se révèle lentement et affiche des nuances crayeuses, florales et fruitées. Notes de violettes, de poivre et de baies noires. Attaque crémeuse. Le palais se révèle lentement, à l’image du bouquet. C’est la structure acide qui ouvre le spectacle, suivies de tannins compacts et crémeux. Subtile intensité aromatique idéalement soutenue par la structure acide. Le vin gagne en dimension et en fraîcheur au fil du palais. Finale fruitée, salivante et persistante. Un vin imposant.  2026-2050

Neal Martin 93-95 www.vinous.com
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.

Antonio Galloni 94-96+ points www.vinous.com
The 2020 Canon La Gaffelière is a strict, severe wine, almost unnaturally so. At this stage, the 2020 is all acid and tannin, and yet behind that lies a vibrant core of fruit. The big Franc aromatics, often such a signature, are nowhere to be found. Inky red berry fruit, blood orange, spice and star anise emerge with a bit of coaxing, all framed by a spine of serious tannins that are at once incisive and well-balanced. Readers should plan on being patient, as the 2020 is going to need years to come around. Despite its reticence, the 2020 appears to have significant potential down the line.

Jane Anson 94 points  www.decanter.com (at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
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. Drinking Window 2027 – 2044