2016 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
By Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
2016 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
The Right Bank of Bordeaux is steeped in vintner lore, but few years across its vast chronicle have sparked as much chatter amongst oenophiles as the 2016 vintage. The 2016 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere stands as a testament to this celebrated vintage with an enchanting display of poise and finesse.
Embodiment of Saint-Émilion's Grace
Nestled in the Saint-Émilion appellation, the praised terroir of Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere unfurled in 2016 a wine that resonates with impeccable balance, a virtuoso medley of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The illustrious growing season was marked by a mild winter followed by a tranquil spring, paving the way for a summer edging on drought. Yet, providential rain arrived just in time to rejuvenate the vines, culminating in an impeccable harvest.
Such climatic serendipity has sculpted a wine with layered complexity; ripe tannins dance with precision alongside a dark fruit profile interspersed with the subtlest hints of licorice and graphite - characteristic nuances that pinpoint a consistent terroir expression through this harmonious vintage.
An Investment Worthy of Connoisseurship
The investment potential of the 2016 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere should not be understated. A beacon of stability in the realm of fine wines, the 2016 iteration echoes its predecessors' coveted lineage whilst establishing its unique narrative. The wine's vibrant acidity and aromatic persistence hint at a cellar-worthy future that is bound to intrigue collectors and connoisseurs alike.
With careful cellaring, anticipate an evolution where elegance and depth crescendo over time, enhancing its allure in the symphony of fine wine investment. Whether gracing glasses now or resting in wait of maturation's peak gentility, this vintage indeed carries nuances reflective of its singular year – ever an exciting prospect for those seeking to diversify their portfolio.
Conclusion: The Symphony of 2016 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
In every respect, the 2016 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere exemplifies the epitome of Saint-Émilion's winemaking prowess - a resplendent portrait painted from the palette of an extraordinary vintage. For both palate pleasure and wise wine investment consideration, it holds its notes with aplomb against the grand opus that is Bordeaux’s rich viticultural heritage.
Market price (GBP)
£710.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
41.76
Scores and tasting notes
This pulls a lot of red and black currant, fig and boysenberry pâte de fruit notes together, wraps them with a brambly thread and then drives them through an anise- and apple wood-edged finish. It’s all tightly wound, but it’s all there for the long haul. Really, really solid.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator (James Molesworth)
Lovely silky texture and dark fruit to this wine underlining richness and decadence. Medium to full body and a long finish.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017
The 2016 Canon la Gaffeliere is a blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (vines organically certified) picked from 26 September to 15 October and matured in 60% new oak. The yield is 42 hectoliters per hectare. This offers one of the most cerebral aromatics that I have encountered from this Saint Emilion estate: mineral-rich red and black fruit, quite edgy, almost flinty in style. I adore the focus of these aromas that are wired directly into the olfactory senses. The palate is very well balanced and governed by the Cabernet component. The black fruit is lifted by some lovely graphite notes that lend it a very Left Bank-like personality. It is fresh, taut and linear with a very persistent finish. Unlike other vintages of Canon la Gaffelière, I feel that this will require four to five years in bottle. As good as the 2015 last year, it might even surpass it.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 April 2017
Dark crimson. Very rich sweet nose slightly reminiscent of the 'modernist' style. Rather thick and heavy. Suffers from being tasted immediately after the superior and sophisticated Ch Canon. Rather drying end. Good effort. Sincere but a tad vieux jeu. Hint of meatiness, then slightly drying tannins but good energy.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com