Wines Saint-Émilion Château Canon-la-Gaffelière - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 2019 is a distinguished red wine hailing from the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé. This wine is made predominantly from Merlot, supported by significant proportions of Cabernet Franc and a smaller amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend typical of the Right Bank. The 2019 vintage is particularly expressive, marked by both generous ripeness and remarkable freshness, an effect of an excellent growing season. The vineyard boasts organic certification, and the vinification is attentive, with manual harvesting, gentle extraction and careful ageing in French oak barrels, respecting the vibrancy and purity of the fruit. Expect a wine with an alluring bouquet of ripe black cherries, plums, violets, and subtle spice, unfolding into a palate that balances opulence and clarity, with velvety tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Situated on gently sloping clay-limestone gravels at the southern entrance to Saint-Émilion, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière’s terroir is exemplary. The unique soils provide both drainage and moisture retention, vital for maintaining the health of the vines throughout the season. Saint-Émilion’s climate benefits from the moderating influence of the Dordogne river, offering warm summers and mild winters. The region boasts a long, proud history of winemaking, with its intricate medieval town recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the tradition of blending Merlot and Cabernet Franc has produced some of the most charming and age-worthy wines of Bordeaux.

This wine shines with classic Bordeaux pairings such as roast lamb with herbs, beef fillet with truffle sauce, or veal with morel mushrooms. It also finds harmony with regional dishes like confit de canard or a rich cassoulet. Mature cheeses such as Comté, aged Gouda, or Saint-Nectaire also make fitting companions.

To appreciate Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 2019 at its best, serve slightly cool at 16-18°C after decanting for an hour or two. This allows the wine to open and reveal its depth and aromatic complexity. If cellared, it will develop further nuance over the next 10-20 years.