2015 La Gaffeliere (St-Emilion)

The 2015 La Gaffeliere is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. It offers attractive black cherries, boysenberry and mulberry fruit on the nose. Maybe it would benefit from a little more delineation, but the aromatics are focused and in sync with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. The acidity is pitched nicely here lending ample freshness and poise. Energetic and vivacious, this is one of the best barrel samples that I have tasted from an estate that was revered during the 1960s. Time for a comeback? 92-94 points

Cool elegance from St-Emilion. Refined, fragrant nose with lovely purity of fruit. The palate is fresh and finely etched. Shows balance and harmony. 94 points

The Cabernet Franc proportion of this wine has increased in recent years under consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, and to good effect. This is a stylish, leafy, chalky wine with filigree tannins and a cool, refreshing elegance. Attractive stuff. Drink: 2022-32. 93 points

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. 95-97 points

A Stéphane Derenoncourt wine. Meaty nose. Sweet and a tiny bit blowsy. A bit dry on the end. Pretty dramatic. If you seek impact, head for this hedonistic wine. I may have underscored it. 16.5 points