The 2017 Canon la Gaffeliere is a Bordeaux blend produced in the Saint-Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, crafted by Canon la Gaffeliere, is sealed with a cork and contains 13.5% alcohol by volume. The blend consists of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from September 18 to October 10. Notably, the vineyard experienced a significant frost, affecting half of its yield.
James Suckling from jamessuckling.com awarded this wine a score of 93, noting its "linear, tight red with currant and fresh-herb aromas and flavors." He describes it as having a "medium body" with "fine tannins and a bright finish," and praises its clean and lively character. Suckling recommends drinking it from 2021 onwards.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated the wine at 94 points. He highlighted its "chalky" nose with "dark berries, licorice, wet earth, and forest floor aromatics." Leve emphasizes the wine's "full-bodied, fresh and mineral-driven" profile, mentioning the perceptible rocks and stones while enjoying the sweet red fruits and the standout freshness in the finish.
Wine Spectator also gave a score of 94, describing the wine as having "a deliciously ripe and inviting core of plum, boysenberry, and blackberry compote flavors, backed by anise and apple wood notes." The publication recommends cellaring the wine for maximum effect, suggesting it will be best enjoyed from 2022 through 2038.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, in an excellent review, awarded the 2017 Canon la Gaffeliere a remarkable 97 points. The review commends its "medium to deep garnet-purple color" and "exuberant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote, and redcurrant jelly." The palate is described as "medium to full-bodied" with "fantastic density," supported by a "firm frame of finely grained tannins and tons of freshness," and finishing with "lingering layers of bright, energetic fruit."
Wine Enthusiast also rated the wine at 94 points, with Roger Voss noting its "delicious black-currant fruits" and "essential core of dark tannins." He points out the wine's "solid backbone" that will benefit from aging, advising to drink it from 2023.
Decanter, giving it 92 points, mentions the wine's "sexy, rich kick" and its "saline limestone character" that tightens through the finish. The review also notes a "menthol almost spearmint finish," indicating that the wine has gained complexity with aging.
Overall, the 2017 Canon la Gaffeliere is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend that showcases a balance of ripe fruit flavors, mineral notes, and a solid tannic structure, making it a compelling choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging.