Wines Saint-Émilion Canon-la-Gaffelière - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Canon-La-Gaffelière 2022 is an exceptional red wine from the renowned Saint-Émilion appellation, a prestigious subregion on Bordeaux’s right bank. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé, this estate is recognised for crafting wines of remarkable finesse and depth. The 2022 vintage, benefiting from an excellent growing season, showcases a blend heavily dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines flourish on a mix of clay-limestone and sandy soils at the foot of Saint-Émilion’s famed slope, encouraging complexity and aromatic elegance. Vinification at Canon-La-Gaffelière is famously meticulous—parcels are vinified separately, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled wooden vats, and ageing is carried out in fine French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new. The result is a structured yet refined wine, displaying dense, vibrant fruit, delicate floral notes, and a layered palate with velvety tannins.

Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a storied viticultural heritage dating back to Roman times. The region’s patchwork of limestone, clay, and sand provides perfect conditions for Merlot and Cabernet Franc to excel, while the moderately continental climate, warmed by the Dordogne river and tempered by the Atlantic, ensures optimal ripening. Saint-Émilion is known for wines that balance structure, depth, and accessibility, and Château Canon-La-Gaffelière epitomises this tradition with each bottling.

This wine’s generous fruit and polished tannins pair beautifully with classic French fare such as roast lamb with garlic and herbs, beef Wellington, or duck breast with a black cherry reduction. For regional pairings, a Bordelais entrecôte steak in a rich red wine sauce or confit de canard would be ideal. The wine’s aromatic complexity and freshness also allow it to complement earthy mushroom dishes or aged, hard cheeses such as Comté or Ossau-Iraty.

For the optimal tasting experience, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its bouquet and texture to fully evolve. Serve at 16-18°C, which will best showcase the aromatic nuances and supple body. This wine has excellent ageing potential, so consider cellaring a few bottles to appreciate its evolution over the next decade or more.