2021 Château Canon-La Gaffelière St.-Emilion

Winery Château Canon-La Gaffelière

Château Canon-La Gaffelière, owned by the von Neipperg family, is one of Saint-Émilion's most consistent Grand Cru Classé estates. Situated at the foot of the limestone plateau, the château combines clay, limestone, and sand in one of the appellation's most diverse terroirs. Cabernet Franc traditionally plays a leading role here, providing finesse, aromatic lift, and structure. Sustainable and organic practices are central to the vineyard. More information about this winery can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Region and location

Canon-La Gaffelière lies at the transition from the limestone plateau to the lower slopes of Saint-Émilion. This combination of soils produces wines with both depth and elegance. This refinement is clearly evident in the classic 2021 vintage, with an emphasis on freshness and aromatic precision.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The 2021 vintage is dominated by Cabernet Franc, supplemented by Merlot and a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The plots are harvested and vinified separately to best express the character of each terroir. Cabernet Franc this year provides aromatic expression and refined tannin structure.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

After careful selection, the grapes are fermented with controlled extraction to preserve elegance and precision. Maturation takes place in oak barriques, where the wood supports the wine without masking the freshness of the vintage. In 2021, this results in a wine with tension, balance, and refined structure.

Color, smell and taste

Deep ruby red with a bright sheen. The nose offers notes of rose petals and lilacs, combined with ripe red and black fruit. Subtle spiciness, light smoky accents, and a hint of spice add complexity.

The palate is medium to full-bodied with a smooth, seamless texture. The fruit is juicy and pure, supported by vibrant acidity and very refined tannins. The finish is long, elegant, and harmonious, with a fresh, mineral undertone.

Drinking window and development

The Wine Advocate rated this vintage 93-95 points, praising its aromatic finesse, lively acidity, and refined tannin structure. The wine combines immediate charm with aging potential and will continue to deepen in the coming years. The optimal drinking period is expected to begin around 2026 and last for well over two decades.

Summary of professional reviews

With 93-95 points, the 2021 Canon-La Gaffelière is praised for its floral aromas, juicy core of sweet berry fruit, and elegant, refined tannins. Cabernet Franc plays a leading role, giving the wine added tension and precision. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Wine-Food and Discount

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. In the "Food" tab, you'll find advice on what to consider for the perfect wine-food pairing and several dish suggestions from our Sommelier.