60% merlot 32% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon from a 19.5-hectare parcel on the slopes of the limestone plateau. Vines are over 45 years old planted in a mixture of limestone clay and sand. Purple pinkish color. Aromas of roasted vegetables blackberry and earthy mushroom are complemented by grilled meat and sweet vanilla. The palate reveals fine grained tannins along with a high level of acidity yet remains balanced. Lovely flavors of truffle and sweet red fruit inform the lengthy finish. Enjoy 2015-2035.

This is very refined and pretty for the vintage with plum, berry and light chocolate character. It’s almost Burgundian in texture and weight. Shows the finesse of the cabernet franc in the blend. Very fine indeed. Try in 2017.

The 2011 Canon-la-Gaffelière has a lovely nose with brambly red fruit, rose petal and certainly more vigour than many of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a piquant entry, raspberry and mulberry laced with white pepper and clove, with a fine and quite cohesive finish. This is ageing well in bottle. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin

Probably the flagship estate of visionary Stephan von Neipperg, the 2011 Canon La Gaffeliere is less exotic and open-knit than usual, but it exhibits beautiful notes of black currants, licorice, camphor and forest floor. A burgeoning complexity as well as medium to full body and well-integrated wood are found in this pure beauty. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. - Robert Parker