2019 Canon-la-Gaffeliere (St-Emilion)

The 2019 Canon La Gaffelière is utterly fabulous. All the elements come together in a Saint-Émilion that dazzles with its completeness and total sense of balance. Raspberry jam, blood orange, spice, lavender and dried flowers infuse the 2019 with captivating nuance. La Gaffelière is a rich, potent wine that exudes class and pedigree right out of the gate. In a word: superb. 97 points

I love the balance on display here, of powerful and softly whispering fruits, a tightrope of acidity and tannins giving structure. Great stuff, with the impact of 2018 but more freshness, although still with the signature glamour of a Neipperg wine in full flight. 95 points

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Canon la Gaffeliere opens with an incredibly evocative perfume of lilacs, Morello cherries, black raspberries, jasmine and Sichuan pepper over a core of ripe black plums, wild blueberries and dark chocolate with touches of iron ore and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals an edifying intensity of electric blue and black fruit layers, supported by a rock-solid frame of firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with a firework display of fruit, mineral and spicy nuances. A thrilling wine from the get-go and one that should age very well! 95-97+ points

Juicy, fresh and balanced. Pretty, floral aromatics with a burgundian nuance. Fine, long tannins provide persistence. Harmonious, digeste and perfectly etched. On a par with the best from this estate. 17 points