Château Canon la Gaffelière, 1er Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion,

Intense blackberry, raspberry, loganberry fruit chracter, love that this is ripe but not overly sweet, has confident sinewy and muscular tannins, well balanced by a ton of fresh fruit with juice and character. Great stuff, with waves of fragrant floral aromatics, and plenty of nuanced personality. Ludovic Neipperg technical director and owner. 47hl/h yield, certified organic since 2014. 40% new oak.

The 2022 Canon la Gaffeliere is blended of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 47 hl/ha and it is aging in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with a fantastically flamboyant nose of kirsch, wild blueberries, and red currant preserves, followed by hints of lavender oil, fallen leaves, and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is coated with taut, muscular black fruits with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a spicy lift.

The 2022 Canon La Gaffelière was picked from 6 to 22 September at 47hL/ha, with more Merlot this year and matured in 40% new oak. This lovely bouquet shows red cherry, wild strawberry, blood orange and light cedary scents. Utterly charming, as this Saint-Émilion so often is. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, slightly chalky in texture, and fresh with a vibrant limestone-driven finish. Excellence from a Saint-Émilion that just never lets you down.