Château Canon-la-Gaffelière Saint-Émilion 2025 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B BIO (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

At the foot of the Saint-Émilion hillside, Canon-la-Gaffelière is the flagship estate of Stephan von Neipperg, who succeeded his father. This German aristocrat—himself a graduate in oenology and agronomy from Montpellier, whose family owns extensive vineyards in Württemberg—has become one of the most dynamic and innovative winemakers in the Libourne region. Skilled at balancing the robust structure with the finesse provided by the exquisite Cabernet Franc grapes grown at the foot of the hillside, he has restored the château’s wine to its full potential, a wine that fully deserves its new status as a Premier Grand Cru Classé.

Decanter

About the wine:

Beautiful aromas, floral notes, and hints of Chinese five-spice, accompanied by notes of sweet red berries. Juicy and lively, with a lovely structure that is at once serene, refined, and supple, velvety tannins, and ripe yet fresh fruit. The acidity isn’t too pronounced, giving the wine a generous yet controlled character. Balanced and harmonious, though it perhaps lacks just a touch of density in the fruit. A lovely interplay of textures and beautiful aromatic complexity. 2030–2048

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

By incorporating all the advancements of well-executed modern winemaking, Stephan von Neiperg—with the help of Stéphane Derenoncourt—has, in less than ten years, restored the wine to its 1950s glory. Elevated to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé and certified organic in 2014 (an example that should leave a lasting impression), the estate continues its in-depth work based on a collection of massal selections of Cabernet Franc and carefully chosen rootstocks, “with the goal of building a vineyard for the next fifty to sixty years.” The warm, early-ripening soils at the foot of the hillside are ideally suited to these Cabernet Franc vines, which lend finesse and nobility to the wine’s tannic structure. The sacrifice of some yield explains the extraordinary—yet unpretentious—concentration of the most recent vintages.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A deep, complex young red wine with aromas of blackberry, black olive, and white pepper, offering lovely fullness and delicious fruitiness. Notes of white pepper and other spices. Great depth combined with elegance. An extremely well-crafted wine. A blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The depth and complexity of the bouquet speak volumes about the quality of this wine. It reveals a multitude of nuances, both floral and fruity, with peony notes clearly taking center stage. It also reveals notes of mint, red berries, and blueberries, distinguishing itself not only through its complexity but also through its ability to emphasize freshness, even within a warm profile. The next challenge lies in the balance it will demonstrate on the palate—and it does so with a serenity that is nothing short of dazzling. Supported by velvety, subtly austere tannins, it possesses the qualities necessary for elegance, expression, and aging potential. It is powerful, persistent, and needs time to fully develop, but the foundation has already been firmly laid. This is a great Canon La Gaffelière that will delight several generations! 2030–2050

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve