(70% merlot, 25% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon; 70% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Sexy notes of violets and cinnamon complicate blackcurrant and cedar on the knockout nose. Fresh and juicy but the red and dark berry flavors turn a little austere at the back. Finishes fresh and long, with rising, mouthcoating tannins, above-average density, and lingering hints of aromatic leafiness and lead pencil.

The 2013 Canon la Gaffelière has a pretty nose in the context of the vintage: no under-ripeness here and nicely defined with scents of black cherries, iodine, violet and cedar. The palate is soft and supple on the entry with light tannin, a touch of mocha tinging the red and black fruit, leading to a structured finish that is simple but lingers in satisfying fashion. This easy-going Saint Emilion should provide a decade's worth of pleasure.

The 2013 Canon La Gaffelière shows lovely energy and length, although it could use a bit more mid-palate. Sweet spices, plums, graphite and smoke emerge, but only with great reluctance. Today it is the wine's length that impresses most, but time will tell if all the elements fully come together. The 2013 is a model of precision and class. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is to say a little less Franc than is typical. Yields are just 10 hectoliters per hectare.

Modern, unblemished fruit on the nose. Lovely purity, smooth yet firm tannin that will support mid-term bottle maturation. For a challenging vintage, this captures great fruit quality and has admirable structure – drinkable now but with ample potential. (RH)

Tasted blind. Mid garnet. Red cherry fruit. Leafy, fresh. Powdery tannins but rounded out overall. Easy to drink. Dry finish. (JH)