2020 Canon-la-Gaffeliere (St-Emilion)

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. 94 points

The 2020 Canon-la-Gaffelière is beautifully defined on the nose, featuring lavish black cherries, boysenberry, tobacco and cracked black pepper aromas. This is endowed with impressive precision and the oak is very well integrated. The medium-bodied palate delivers sappy black fruit, fine balance and poise and a lightly spiced, edgy, almost citrus-like finish. Packed to the rafters with vim and vigor, this is a superb Saint-Émilion. 93-95 points

Almost earthy, vineyard-fresh feel to the nose and palate. Flows gently, building discreetly to a persistent finish. Attractive fruit and fine-grained tannins. Ageing potential. 17 points

That attractive Cabernet Franc wild-rose, herbal, floral character to smell; a fine balance, medium-full, fresh, finely tannic, typically harmonious; top St-Emilion, characteristically classy, refined, long, and subtle, and with Cabernet-Franc-fine, racy, scented length. A beautiful wine, dense yet light-seeming, too. Drink 2028–50+. 92–93 points