The 2001 Canon-la-Gaffelière has a fresh nose of raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, cigar humidor, fireside hearth and light minty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity, fresh and vibrant, and harmonious toward the finish, offering finer tannins than the 2000. This has aged beautifully and will continue to give pleasure. Cropped at 21hl/ha and aged in 85% new oak for 18 months.

Made in a structured, tannic, restrained style (representative of the vintage’s overall personality), this medium to full-bodied 2001 exhibits scents of espresso roast, cedar, chocolate, black currants, and cherries. With sweet but noticeable tannin, exceptional multilayered flavors, and excellent texture, elegance as well as purity, it will be at its finest between 2005-2013.

Deep ruby-red. Captivating aromas of currant, mocha, minerals, smoked meat and tobacco. Sweet on entry, then suave and cedary in the middle, with a lightly herbal character adding complexity. Very harmonious wine. Last year I found this denser than the 2002, but today I find the 2002 more impressive in the context of its vintage. Von Neipperg ages this wine in all new barrels, with Taransaud and Darnajou his two most important sources, but Canon La Gaffeliere rarely comes across as particularly smoky-oaky as the barrels get a slow, medium toast using steam.

Very deep crimson – positively thick. Opulent, even a little oaky still. Animal notes – this one crawls and arches over the palate like a pet cat. Very friendly – even rather aggressively so. Lots of guts though a bit short on finesse. Suggestion of beef extract. No shortage of ripe tannins underneath. (JR)