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Canon La Gaffeliere 2011

St Emilion, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

Probably the flagship estate of visionary Stephan von Neipperg, the 2011 Canon La Gaffeliere is less exotic and open-knit than usual, but it exhibits beautiful notes of black currants, licorice, camphor and forest floor. A burgeoning complexity as well as medium to full body and well-integrated wood are found in this pure beauty. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2026 01 April 2014

From the flagship estate of visionary Stephan von Neipperg, I noticed some sample variations on the four occasions I had this wine. Cropped at 33 hectoliters per hectare with a final blend of 60% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is generally a fruit-forward style of wine with an exotic, perfumed personality. The 2011 reveals a soft, sexy style with lots of Christmas fruitcake notes intermixed with cedarwood, spice box, black currants and kirsch. Fleshy and fat with impressive purity, texture and length, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-14 years.

Score: 90 - 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2026 30 April 2012

Cropped between 15th and 30th September at 30hl/ha, the Canon-la-Gaffeliere has a surprisingly closed bouquet compared to the Clos de l’Oratoire with faint red berry and fish scale aromas. The palate is more in the mould of Canon-la-Gaffeliere with plush tannins and velvety mouthfeel, although it is missing some weight at the back end at the moment. Perhaps this will be filled is during maturation? We will see. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

32% Cabernet Franc (some planted prior to 1953), 60% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. 80% new oak but it doesn't overwhelm. Lovely aroma. Chocolate over Cabernet Franc freshness. Some oaky char but fluid freshness in the mouth. Fine, fine dense tannins. Violet notes. (JH)

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2028 24 April 2012

A truly elegant offering this year. A little more understated than some vintages but lots of zesty fruit, with silky tannins and texture. Length on the finish.

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2030 16 April 2012

Exhibits very pretty red currant, violet and red licorice notes, with a sleek, mineral-tinged finish. This is also sneakily long, relying more on purity than power. This could move up if it puts on weight.

Score: 90 - 93

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

Racy and fine with a lovely pure fruit. The Cabernet Franc in this is really coming through. Minerally and fine. Pretty wine. 60% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Score: 90 - 91

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012