Canon La Gaffeliere 2017 (750ML)

94-96 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The deep purple-black colored 2017 Canon offers-up intense notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis with touches of fertile loam, yeast extract, beef drippings and iron ore plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied with great freshness and firm, rounded tannins, it's very earthy in the mouth, finishing long and mineral-laced. A very serious wine, it is also fun, bright and vivacious and should age impressively." 4/2018

95+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2017 Canon La Gaffelière is another highlight in this range from Stephan von Neipperg. Bright, floral and punchy, the 2017 impresses for its energy and drive. Dried rose petal, mint, sage, tobacco, cedar and licorice add pretty top notes to this highly nuanced, layered Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is so expressive here. Quite simply, the 2017 is a wine of pure and total finesse. Tasted two times." 03/20

92-94 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2017 Canon was picked 4 to 21 September and 22 to 27 September for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc at 42hl/ha and matured in 56% new oak. There is 14.0° alcohol this year and the pH comes in at 3.66. This takes a little time to open, eventually revealing blackberry, briary, crushed stone and light iris scents. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and good backbone. Strangely, it reminds me a little of modern-day Figeac, that Cabernet component smaller here but very expressive with touches of graphite and flint towards the linear but beguilingly fresh finish. I like the manner in which the limestone shines through the wine here, something noticeable in recent vintages. Whilst not the sensational 2015 or 2016, it is a damn fine Saint-Émilion that will settle at the top of my banded score. Drink 2022-2045." 5/2018

94-95 Points, James Suckling: "This is very focused and fresh with limestone and crushed-stone character. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a salty finish. Shows lots of minerality already. Umami licorice undertones." 4/2018

94 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Another successful year for Canon; not as voluptuous as in 2016 or 2015, but it has a wonderful salinity and a crisp, fresh curl to the fruit. They aim for crystalline flavours, vibrant fruit and a sense of forward motion, and for me it has that again this year. The flavours of blueberries, blackberries and soft, smoky almonds are drawn out through the palate, and by the time it has finished you are ready to go again. It has an austerity that is overridden by the juice, not quite overriding the vintage, but it's a delicious wine that again showcases the beauty of limestone. 50% new oak. Thomas Duclot is consultant here, and it really is a great year for the estates that he works with." 4/2018