Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere 2017

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."

WEINWISSER: "Rubinviolett. Dicht verwobenes Bouquet mit Anklängen an Pflaumen, Sandelholz, Schattenmorellen und Kardamom. Dahinter schwarze Johannisbeeren, helle Edelhölzer und Lakritze. Am eleganten Gaumen mit butterweicher Textur und kakaoartigen Tanninen. Im gebündelten Finale ein voller Korb mit blauen Beeren, edler Milchkaffeenote und zarter Adstringenz. Dem Grafen scheinen die 7er Jahrgänge zu liegen."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The nose is chalky with dark berries, licorice, wet earth and forest floor aromatics. The wine is full bodied, fresh and mineral driven. You can feel the rocks and stones while enjoying the sweet red fruits and there is a freshness that stands out in the finish. The wine was made from blending 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Half of the vineyard was struck by the frost."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This open wine brings out delicious black-currant fruits as well as the essential core of dark tannins. The solid backbone will stand the wine in good stead as it matures, softening the juicy, forward fruitiness. Drink from 2023."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Features a deliciously ripe and inviting core of plum, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors, backed by anise and apple wood notes. Juicy in feel through the finish, with the fruit lingering. Tobacco and iron accents wait in reserve. Cellar for maximum effect. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2038."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A linear, tight red with currant and fresh-herb aromas and flavors. Medium body. Fine tannins and a bright finish. Clean and lively. Drink in 2021 and onwards."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Incorporating plenty of second-generation grapes, the deep purple-hued 2017 Chateau Canon-La-Gaffeliere checks in as 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a fresher, racier Saint-Emilion that has good acidity, fine tannins, and medium body, yet good concentration and balance. Give this outstanding 2017 4-6 years, and it will keep for at least two decades."

DECANTER: "The sexy, rich kick of Canon la Gaffelière is on full display, giving a counterpoint to the saline limestone character that tightens things through the finish. Menthol almost spearmint finish, this is a good wine that has gained in complexity over ageing."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, würzig unterlegte schwarze Beerenfrucht, ein Hauch von Orangenmarmelade, Erdbeerkonfit und Nougat. Saftig, fruchtexotische Textur, gute, tragende Tannine, charmanter stil, salzige Frische im Abgang, mineralischer Nachhall, gutes Entwicklungspotenzial."