The 2015 Canon La Gaffelière is deep, powerful and explosive. Seamless and captivating in the glass, it possesses magnificent richness, volume and intensity in every dimension. The Cabernet Franc, usually such a strong signature, is nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the Merlot fruit. Espresso, mocha, licorice and plum infuse the racy finish. The 2015 is going to need the better part of a decade to be expressive. Tasted two times. vinous.com, February 2018

Composed of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak, 55% new, for 17 months, the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere features a deep garnet-purple color and a cedar-laced nose to begin, giving way to fragrant underlying scents of roses and violets with a core of crushed black currants, blackberries and Bing cherries plus hints of fallen leaves and dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied, the seductively perfumed red and black fruit fills the mouth, framed with plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing very long and minerally.

The aromas of violets and rose petals are prevalent here with blue fruits as well. Full body, integrated and firm tannins and a long finish. Structured yet fine and shows such finesse. Give it five or six years to come together.

 The 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere, which was bottled 26-28 June 2017, has a heart-warming, delineated, sensual bouquet that really is top notch, one of the finest I can remember over the last 20-odd years tasting this wine. Blackberry, bilberry, crushed violet and a touch of cedar all beautifully intertwined. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, a perfectly pitched thread of acidity, just the right amount of salinity leading to a poised, graphite-tinged finish thanks to the contribution of the Cabernet. Just a superb wine. Anticipated maturity: 2021 - 2045.

– eRobertParker.com, Feb 2018

Dark and winey, with currant paste and fig notes backed by slightly briary grip and an ample dose of toast. There’s good energy here and nice vivacity, despite the darker profile today, and this should easily round into form after the élevage.

– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, April 2016)

Located on the outskirts of St. Emilion, the vineyards of Canon-La-Gaffelière sport an unusually large amount of Cabernet Franc which perfectly suits the clay-heavy soil. Attractive, savoury and earthy nose – authentic and charming. Dense, intense and structured with full mid palate and long finish.

Mid crimson. Dark, spicy and a nice mineral rocky quality. Dry but succulent and really elegant on the palate. Extremely fine tannins. Elegant but rich in fruit in the middle. (JH)

Purplish crimson. Quite heady. Lots of Cabernet leafiness (picked up to 6 October). Racy, sinewy. Far from a blockbuster. Drink 2025-2038.

– jancisrobinson.com, Apr 2016