2020 Château Canon La Gaffelière
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Tasting notes
This has a lovely perfumed, floral nose of lavender and wild flowers, along with black fruit aromas. The palate is plush, opulent even, and the tannins are seamless. It is quite open and a little loose in its soft texture. There is a red-fruited freshness too, with a long finish laden with pure blackberry and blackcurrant fruit.
Critic scores
James Suckling
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Certified organic (FR-BIO-10). Blackish crimson. Heady, very ripe and exotic nose. Broad, resolved and already approachable. So very different from the tannic left-bank 2020s ! I’d happily drink this tonight! With food, of course. Long. (JR)
Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Inviting, pure dark fruits. Elegant, harmonious with refined tannins. A light touch but all in balance with a long refreshing finish. (JH)
The 2020 Canon-la-Gaffelière is higher-toned on the nose than its peers, glossy with bold notes of black cherries and licorice. The palate is very ripe and sweet, with comparatively lower acidity, layers of rich black fruit and a velvety smooth, hoisin-tinged finish. It's a bit brash, although it will appeal to those seeking hedonism in their Right Bank 2020s. I'm not sure how representative this bottle is vis-à-vis previous showings, so I will seek to taste this again later. I tasted it blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
About the producer
Owned by the Von Niepperg family (along with one of the original garage wines, La Mondotte), Ch. Canon-la-Gaffelière is known for its opulent, plush style of Saint-Emilion and high percentage of Cabernet.