2017 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
By Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
2017 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
Within the tapestry of Bordeaux's illustrious vinous output, certain compositions resonate more harmoniously, and the 2017 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere performs with a symphony of complexity and elegance. In the bounteous Saint-Emilion appellation, this particular vintage strikes a sophisticated chord that offers both immediate gratification and potential for long-term investment returns.
Provenance and Patina: 2017’s Remarkable Journey
The growing season of 2017 was embroiled in climatic drama, with Saint-Emilion witnessing stark juxtapositions: a frost-hit spring leading to heterogeneous flowering, yet followed by a summer that gracefully pirouetted into an early harvest. It’s within this crucible that the fruit for 2017 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere was forged; providing a structured, yet undeniably finessed wine. Against these odds, the wine exudes a balance and depth that savvy collectors look for when diversifying their fine wine portfolio.
A Sensorial Rendezvous with Terroir
Tasting the 2017 vintage releases a cascade of blackcurrant and wild berry notes adorned with an intricate filigree of spicy oak – signals of judicious ageing in the chateau's cellars. On the palate, one encounters tannins that are ripe yet assertive, bestowing the wine with a backbone robust enough to evolve intriguingly over time. An undercurrent of minerality betrays its terroir; that unmistakable Saint-Emilion limestone lending vibrancy even within the warmth of the vintage.
To engage intimately with this wine is to understand its journey through climatic adversity, resulting in a beautifully orchestrated expression - one that stands distinctive among its peers. The subtle power and grace which are hallmarks of the finest wines from this estate shine resolutely in this 2017 iteration.
In summary, the 2017 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere is a sterling example of Bordeaux’s resilient spirit and winemaking mastery. With an impressive structure belying its youthful verve, it promises maturation potential while already providing an orchestration of flavours that satiates the oenophile's quest for excellence. For those looking to enrich their cellar or amplify their investment portfolio, this vintage is certainly worthy of attention.
Current market price
£600.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
35.29
Scores and tasting notes
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Canon la Gaffeliere comes roaring out of the glass with exuberant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and redcurrant jelly plus hints of forest floor, dried roses and cedar chest with a waft of fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic density with a firm frame of finely grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with lingering layers of bright, energetic fruit.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
This is really excellent for the vintage with wonderful density of fruit in terms of plum liqueur and creme de cassis. The palate’s plush but velvety with round tannins and a long finish. Should drink fabulously when young. So generous but silky and dialed-in.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Canon La Gaffelière is superb. Compelling in its aromatics and overall balance, the 2017 has so much to offer. All the elements simply fall into place. As is the case with all of Stephan von Neipperg's wines, the 2017 is wonderfully fresh and nuanced, with less muscle than in the past and noticeably more finesse. Bright floral and mocha notes add lift to the dark red stone fruits. What a gorgeous wine this is. Tasted two times.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
Charming cassis and blackberry puree flavors glide along the polished structure, with light rooibos tea and anise accents chiming in. Offers a bright, polished finish.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
Composed of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Canon la Gaffeliere contains a large part of second-generation fruit because 65% of the crop was affected by frost. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has pronounced crème de cassis, blueberry pie, red currants and red plums notes with touches of Chinese five spice, fragrant earth, tapenade and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with nice firm tannins giving a sturdy frame along with plenty of freshness supporting great mid-palate density, finishing long and earthy.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Canon-la-Gaffelière was picked 18 September to 10 October at 16hl/ha, matured in 55% new oak. It has a fairly straightforward bouquet with high-toned black cherry and cassis fruit, the second-generation fruit lending freshness, though it does not have the complexity or depth of a great Canon-la-Gaffelière and there are a number of those in recent years. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, fleshy in the mouth and well balanced with notes of raspberry preserve, blackberry and light tea-leaves; smoky notes emerging towards the finish. This was sampled several times during my tastings, the final two showings undoubtedly superior. Yet despite the Herculean efforts I still feel that the second-generation fruit discombobulates what could have been a better wine. It should still offer a decade’s worth of drinking pleasure and in any case, it will be fascinating to see how it evolves.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18