Wines Saint-Émilion Château Canon-la-Gaffelière - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 2024 from Saint-Émilion AOC is a quintessential expression of right bank Bordeaux. This red wine primarily features Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2024 vintage is anticipated to reflect the harmony of ripe fruit and refined structure typical of this renowned estate. The meticulous vinification process at Château Canon-la-Gaffelière involves hand harvesting, sorting of grapes, and fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new. This careful process produces a wine with supple tannins, vibrant berry fruit, and notes of spice, tobacco, and subtle florals.

Saint-Émilion, in the Libournais subregion, is famed for its rolling limestone plateaus and clay-rich soils. The microclimate, influenced by the nearby Dordogne River, offers moderate rainfall and temperatures conducive to slow grape maturation. This combination yields wines with both depth and finesse, balancing opulent Merlot fruit with the aromatic lift of Cabernet Franc. Historically, Saint-Émilion is distinguished both as a UNESCO World Heritage site and for its monolithic architecture, reflecting a rich monastic viticultural heritage that dates back centuries.

For food pairings, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière 2024 will shine alongside classic Bordelais dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with a red wine shallot sauce), roast lamb with garlic and herbs, or duck breast with a red berry reduction. Its supple yet structured profile allows it to pair beautifully with earthy mushrooms, truffle-infused poultry, or mature cheeses such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

To appreciate its youthful vibrancy and complexity, serve this Saint-Émilion between 16-18°C. Decanting for at least one hour will allow its bouquet to fully open. Over the years, with cellaring, the wine will gain in savoury complexity and silkiness.