Canon la Gaffelière (BIO-ORGANIC) - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2022

Alexandre Ma

96

byAlexandre Mathe3/10/2025

Despite the challenges of the hot and dry 2022 vintage, Château Canon La Gaffelière offers a vision of springtime vitality. Conventional wisdom might suggest that such a vintage would be problematic for well-drained soils, yet this estate not only excelled but achieved a remarkable yield of 47 hl/ha. Its success, in my opinion, rests on three key pillars: first, the adoption of biodynamic viticulture, which invigorated the vines and boosted their resilience to drought; second, the extensive root systems of old vines, which played a pivotal role; and third, the meticulously harvest from September 6 to September 22, safeguarding the wine’s quality. The vintage reveals vivid and refined aromas, with sweet berry scents and layered orange peel, jujube, and herbal nuances. On the palate, it flows effortlessly, supported by chewy yet delicate tannins—a classic vintage that embodies all the hallmarks of Château Canon La Gaffelière.(Merlot 50%, Cabernet Franc 35%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%)

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

94

byJane Ansonthe3/7/2025

Enjoyable brambled fruits, medium intensity ruby colour, smoked earth, cedar and sandalwood, this has a precision and limestone fingerprint. Traces of smoked oak as it opens, this has precision and a limestone fingerprint,with violets, peonies, raspberry leaf. Neipperg family estate, 18ha, certified organic, 47hl/h yield.

The Wine Cellar Insider

97

byJeff Levethe3/4/2025

Canon-la-Gaffelière, Château

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe2/28/2025

Based on 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from clay-limestone and sandy-clay soils, the 2022 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is concentrated and fresh, with a slightly inward, unevolved style. Ripe blackberries, black cherries, leafy herbs, scorched earth, and floral notes define the aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it’s vibrant and focused on the palate, with ripe tannins and a pure, seamless mouthfeel. This exotic, perfumed, lifted, spicy wine will benefit from time in the cellar.

Yvesbeck.wine

97

byYves Beckthe2/25/2025

43% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon Que d'énergie dans ce bouquet marqué par des nuances d'abord florales puis fruitées et épicées. Il y a même un peu de réduction, ce qui est de bon augure dans une notion de fraîcheur et de garde. Le bouquet s'en retrouve imposant, sans être bruyant. Et cela continue dans ce sens au niveau gustatif. Le vin se révèle avec sérénité, assurance et se positionne tranquillement. Les tannins, puissants, sont parfaitement intégrés et vont de pair avec une acidité structurante qui cautionne la fraîcheur et l'expression fruitée de la finale. Un CLG axé sur la fraîcheur et une touche incisive, mais également suave, donc une harmonie très aboutie. Très belle réussite. Au vu de l'énergie dont il dispose, il a quelques décennies devant lui. Il mérite un peu d'épanouissement, évidemment ! 2028- 2052 97/100

Vinous

94

byNeal Martinthe2/12/2025

The 2022 Canon La Gaffelière, from Von Neipperg's stable, needed time to open in the glass. Initially understated, it offers brambly red fruit, undergrowth and limestone scents that gain cohesion with aeration. The palate is fresh and vibrant with chalky tannins and a silver bead of acidity. It’s taut and linear yet with ample tart red fruit enlivening the finish. This classically-styled, slightly peppery Canon La Gaffelière should age well in bottle. It is excellent.

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe2/3/2025

Aromas of ripe redcurrants and hints of caramel and fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows fine tannins under lots of ripe and luscious fruit but is not heavy. The finish is juicy and savory. 35% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 50% merlot. From organically grown grapes. Attractive already but needs at least three or four years to come around.

Vinous

97

byAntonio Gallonithe1/28/2025

The 2022 Canon-La-Gaffelière soars out of the glass with a rush of exotic floral and spice notes. Rose petal, mint, white pepper, chalk, lavender and mocha make a strong first impression. Lithe and elegant, but with plenty of understated power, the 2022 is an absolute jewel of a wine.

Wine Spectator

95

byJames Molesworththe12/9/2024

Decanter.com

95

byGeorgina Hindlethe5/25/2023

Ripe perfumed, floral and black fruits on the nose. Intense and concentrated, with tobacco, cherries, violets and crushed stones. Full, chewy and round, plushly textured but keeping a cool and savoury touch to the palate with balancing acidity that keeps the interest and movement. Dynamic and structured, lovely detail and density to this, you have richness but there’s also a vein of sweetness and tension that focuses the wine and gives the definition. Smooth and elegant, not the most vibrant, but the composure and overall character is lovely. Higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than usual in the grand vin. A yield of 47hl/ha. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. A yield of 29hl/ha. A yield of 47hl/ha. 40% new oak barrels.

Alexandre Ma

94-96

byAlexandre Mathe5/17/2023

The year 2022 was a hot and dry vintage, yet Château Canon La Gaffelière revealed to me a scene brimming with the vitality of spring. Logically, well-draining soils would not be ideal for this vintage, but unexpectedly, it proved utterly captivating and achieved a remarkable yield of 47 hl/ha. In my view, the success of Château Canon La Gaffelière 2022 is attributable to three factors: firstly, the vitality of the vines, biodynamic attempt significantly enhanced their drought resistance; secondly, the presence of numerous deeply-rooted old vines; and finally, the proper harvest time (from September 6th to September 22nd). The aromatic profile of this vintage is remarkably distinct, with sweet berry fragrances intermingling with roasted orange peel and sour dates, all enveloped by a classic herbal bouquet. The palate is exceptionally smooth, with tannins that are both chewy and remarkably delicate, making this vintage a true classic that embodies all the characteristics of Château Canon La Gaffelière. (50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Vinous

93-95

byNeal Martinthe5/17/2023

The 2022 Canon La Gaffelière was picked from 6 to 22 September at 47hL/ha, with more Merlot this year and matured in 40% new oak. This lovely bouquet shows red cherry, wild strawberry, blood orange and light cedary scents. Utterly charming, as this Saint-Émilion so often is. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, slightly chalky in texture, and fresh with a vibrant limestone-driven finish. Excellence from a Saint-Émilion that just never lets you down.

The Vintage Journal

92-93

byAndrew Caillard MWthe5/17/2023

Medium deep crimson. Intense confectionary, sweet plum, redcurrant aromas with praline notes. Chocolaty textured wine with sweet dark and red berry fruits, fine dense tannins and well balanced fresh acidity. (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon 50%+ new oak)

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

94

byJane Ansonthe5/16/2023

Intense blackberry, raspberry, loganberry fruit chracter, love that this is ripe but not overly sweet, has confident sinewy and muscular tannins, well balanced by a ton of fresh fruit with juice and character. Great stuff, with waves of fragrant floral aromatics, and plenty of nuanced personality. Ludovic Neipperg technical director and owner. 47hl/h yield, certified organic since 2014. 40% new oak.

matthewjukes.com

18,5

byMatthew Jukesthe5/15/2023

The Wine Independent

95-97

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe5/15/2023

The 2022 Canon la Gaffeliere is blended of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields were 47 hl/ha and it is aging in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with a fantastically flamboyant nose of kirsch, wild blueberries, and red currant preserves, followed by hints of lavender oil, fallen leaves, and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is coated with taut, muscular black fruits with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a spicy lift.

Yvesbeck.wine

96-97

byYves Beckthe5/10/2023

Beaucoup de précision, de définition HD dans ce bouquet. La fraicheur des Cabernets est évidente avec des nuances de pivoine et d'eucalyptus tandis que le côté plus mature est incarné par des parfums de baies noires ! A l'image du bouquet, l'attaque est très précise, définie et cadrée. Le vin a du tempérament, de la densité et des tannins puissants. Ils sont parfaitement intégrés et créent une excellente synergie avec la structure acide. Un vin frais, friand, tendu.

Bettane & Desseauve

97

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/10/2023

Racé, suave et profond, avec de la vigueur et une belle énergie. 15 % de cabernet-sauvignon, 35 % de cabernet franc et 50 % de merlot combinent puissance et élégance et se terminent par une finale saline et juteuse auréolée de notes florales. Belle réussite.

Jeb DUNNUCK

95-97

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/10/2023

The 2022 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is brilliant stuff and should be snatched up by readers. Black cherries, iron, tapenade, and exotic floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, opulent mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and no shortage of mid-palate depth or length on the finish. A blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that will see 40% new oak, it's a flawlessly balanced, incredibly impressive Saint-Emilion that will have no problems competing with the 2019 and 2020.

Vinous

94-96

byAntonio Gallonithe5/9/2023

The 2022 Canon La Gaffelière is bright, punchy and full of character. Blood orange, rose petal and spice overtones brighten a core of red/purplish fruit in Saint-Émilion that impresses with its saline intensity, energy and focus. If tasting this blind, I would never say it is a wine from a warm, drought year. It will be interesting to see if the 2022 retains its youthful vibrancy through élevage. This is super promising. Drinking window : 2032-2052

The Wine Cellar Insider

96-98

byJeff Levethe5/5/2023

Deep, and dark in color, the wine opens with flowers, oceanic influences, plums, smoke, licorice, and black cherries. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, opulent, polished, vibrant, silky and fresh, finishing with multiple layers of chocolate-covered, plums, black cherries, espresso, crushed stones and spices. What makes everything work here is the balance, freshness, and purity in the fruits. The wine blends 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.2% ABV. Drink from 2027-2055.

Wine Advocate

94-96

byWilliam Kelleythe5/2/2023

A blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Canon la Gaffelière exhibits aromas of raspberries and plums, complemented by notions of iris, rose petals, incense and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's supple, suave and sophisticated, with a lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98

byJames Sucklingthe4/19/2023

Redcurrants with dark chocolate and hints of fresh herbs like basil and thyme on the nose. Full-bodied with a beautiful center palate and a lovely fine tannin texture. Extremely long. Classy. 35% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 50% merlot, From organically grown grapes.