Jeb Dunnuck 93-95/100
One of the gems out there, the 2021 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is well worth seeking out. Giving up ample blue fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and complex, pure aromatics of violets, iron, and tobacco, it shines for its balance and elegance while bringing a terrific depth of fruit. Count me impressed.jeb_dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (May 2022)
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (May 2022)
Jane Anson MW 94/100
Showing well in bottle, with creamy raspberry, a lightness of touch coupled with good concentration and balance. Plenty of appellation limestone signature, this is good quality, one to look out for, delicate but with character and lift. Not tasted En Primeur, and enjoyable to get to know now. This is also a vintage with a footnote in history for Gaffelière, as it will be the last one bottled as a Premier Grand Cru Classé, after stepping down from the system in 2022.Drink 2026 - 2041jane_anson_mw, janeanson_com (December 2023)
Jane Anson MW, JaneAnson.com (Dec 2023)
Georgie Hindle 95/100
One of the more complete 2021 wines in terms of energy and harmony. Fragrant and ripe fruit on the nose, perfumed black cherries and a dusting of milk chocolate, toasty wood and dark spices. This has a lovely presence on the palate, pure but with concentration and coolness at the same time. Stylish with energy and focus, lots of movement and forward motion. A great showing already.Drink 2026 - 2046Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com (November 2023)
Georgie Hindle, Decanter.com (Nov 2023)
Thomas Parker MW 16.5/20
58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc.Mid-deep ruby. Slick red fruit, a touch of bramble and savoury spice on the nose. Plump on the palate, glossy in fruit yet balanced by notes of rosemary and thyme. The tannins are on the firm side, coating the fruit in a sandy texture. Yet the stuffing seems to match the fruit. Earthy. Should get there.Drink 2025 - 2039tom_parker_mw, JancisRobinson.com (November 2023)
Thomas Parker MW, JancisRobinson.com (Nov 2023)
William Kelley 93/100
The 2021 La Gaffelière is quite rich and generous by the standards of the vintage, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries and raspberries mingled with licorice, pencil shavings and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it has good depth at the core, lively acids and a sapid finish.Drink 2025 - 2040William Kelley, Wine Advocate (February 2024)
William Kelley, RobertParker.com (Feb 2024)
Neal Martin MW 94-96/100
The 2021 La Gaffelière has quite a powerful bouquet with ample black cherry and raspberry fruit, violet and licorice—aromatics you would misconstrue as those from a warmer growing season. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy with ripe tannins and good depth. It has more fruit intensity than its peers, yet it manages to retain mineralité and composure toward the finish. This is an excellent Saint-Émilion from the top drawer.Drink 2028 - 2055Neil Martin, Vinous.com.com (February 2024)
Neal Martin MW, Vinous.com (Feb 2024)
James Suckling 94/100
Lovely reduction at first that gives an ashy feel to the red berries, crushed stones, subtle cream, hibiscus and some dark-colored fruit. The medium- to full-bodied palate unleashes plenty of fine-grained tannins. Fresh, bright and more vertically structured than many of its peers from this vintage, but it remains polished and textured. Lingering finish.Drink from 2024james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (January 2024)
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (Jan 2024)
Antonio Galloni 96/100
The 2021 La Gaffelière is a wine of sublime elegance and understated finesse. Aromatic and pliant, the 2021 shows the more delicate side of the year, yet all the Gaffelière signatures are present. Lavender, mocha, spice, dried herbs and leather are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite Saint-Émilion. The balance here is mind-blowing. Give this time, as it won't be ready to drink anytime soon.Drink 2031 - 2061antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (February 2024)
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (Feb 2024)
