Wines Saint-Émilion Château Canon-La-Gaffelière - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Château Canon-La-Gaffelière 2012 is a distinguished Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, hailing from one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated appellations. This wine is typically a blend emphasising Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, embodying the classic right-bank style. The 2012 vintage, marked by a cooler and somewhat challenging growing season, has brought wines of finesse, aromatic complexity and elegant structure. At Canon-La-Gaffelière, meticulous vineyard management and gentle vinification techniques result in a wine of purity and nuance. Expect an alluring bouquet of ripe red and black fruits interwoven with floral nuances, subtle spices, graphite and a refined oak influence. On the palate, it offers a silky texture, juicy fruit, supple tannins and a persistent, harmonious finish – a wine both accessible in its youth, yet capable of graceful ageing.

Situated on the southern slopes of the Saint-Émilion limestone plateau, Château Canon-La-Gaffelière benefits from a unique terroir combining clay-limestone and sandy soils. This diversity lends both richness and elegance to the wine. The Saint-Émilion region, with its undulating landscape and Romanesque heritage, has been producing fine wines for centuries. Its temperate oceanic climate, moderated by proximity to the Dordogne river, favours a long growing season, allowing Merlot to fully ripen and Cabernet Franc to develop aromatic complexity. The Grand Cru classification underscores the estate’s commitment to quality and its status among the elite properties of the appellation.

For pairings, this refined Saint-Émilion is remarkably versatile. It marries beautifully with classic French cuisine such as roast lamb with herbs, duck breast, or beef filet in a red wine reduction. Regional dishes like entrecôte à la bordelaise or truffled tournedos rossini will highlight its depth and savoury complexity. For vegetarian options, consider richly flavoured mushroom risotto or lentil and root vegetable stew.

To fully appreciate its aromatic range and texture, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will help the 2012 vintage unfurl its bouquet and soften any remaining tannins, ensuring a pleasurable tasting experience.