Canon La Gaffeliere 2015 (750ML)

97 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak, 55% new, for 17 months, the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere features a deep garnet-purple color and a cedar-laced nose to begin, giving way to fragrant underlying scents of roses and violets with a core of crushed black currants, blackberries and Bing cherries plus hints of fallen leaves and dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied, the seductively perfumed red and black fruit fills the mouth, framed with plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing very long and minerally." 2/18

95 points Neal Martin: "The 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere, which was bottled 26-28 June 2017, has a heart-warming, delineated, sensual bouquet that really is top notch, one of the finest I can remember over the last 20-odd years tasting this wine. Blackberry, bilberry, crushed violet and a touch of cedar all beautifully intertwined. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, a perfectly pitched thread of acidity, just the right amount of salinity leading to a poised, graphite-tinged finish thanks to the contribution of the Cabernet. Just a superb wine. Anticipated maturity: 2021-2045." (02/2018)

"95-97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: ""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."" 4/16 "

97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2015 Canon La Gaffelière is deep, powerful and explosive. Seamless and captivating in the glass, it possesses magnificent richness, volume and intensity in every dimension. The Cabernet Franc, usually such a strong signature, is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the Merlot fruit. Espresso, mocha, licorice and plum infuse the racy finish. The 2015 is going to need the better part of a decade to be expressive. Tasted two times."

96 Points, James Suckling: "The aromas of violets and rose petals are prevalent here with blue fruits as well. Full body, integrated and firm tannins and a long finish. Structured yet fine and shows such finesse. Give it five or six years to come together." 2/18

96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (WS #2 wine of 20185):"Still youthfully tight and backward, with a well-roasted frame of alder and juniper holding sway for now, but the core of cassis, blackberry and plum fruit waits in reserve, showing prodigious depth. When the toast and fruit melds, the backdrop of tobacco, singed iron and chalky minerality will get a turn to show. There's a lot here. Built for the cellar. Best from 2025 through 2040." 3/18