1996 Canon la Gaffeliere Bordeaux Red

1996 Canon la Gaffeliere

90 RP

Featured Review

This is one of St.-Emilion's most impressively constituted and expressive wines. From its saturated purple color, to its soaring aromatics (pain grille, jammy black fruits, chocolate, roasted coffee, and smoke), this full-bodied, meaty, chewy, powerful wine is loaded with extract, sweet tannin for the vintage, and possesses a layered, multidimensional finish. It should continue to improve for a decade, and drink well for 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Robert Parker

Robert Parker | 90 RP

Superb dark ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of black raspberry, cassis and smoke. Lush, layered and sweet; already shows compelling inner-mouth flavor, surprising in light of the 3.6 pH, which is lower than normal for this wine. Still, the acids are harmonious and ripe. Longer and sweeter on the back end than the '97. Tannins are dense and mouthcoating but thoroughly ripe.

Vinous Media | 90 VM

Type of Wine	Bordeaux Red : Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red
Varietal	Bordeaux Blend
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.

Producer	Chateau Canon : Residing in the commune of Saint Emilion on the Right Bank of the Gironde rests not just any ordinary Chateau, but a home; a family owned Chateau that has been passed down for generations. Chateau Canon’s 34 hectares of vineyards dominate the landscape and even extend into the village of Saint Emilion, where it owns a 1,500 square meter parcel. Surrounded by dwellings, this unique parcel is ploughed by horse and is hand harvested in traditional style. The plot is planted with Merlot with Premier Grand Cru Classe status, and is incorporated into crafting the estate’s Grand Vin. Laying beneath Canon’s vineyard is a labyrinth of subterranean passages, carved into the bowels of Saint Emilion. This is the site of the quarries which were excavated for its limestone and used in the building of the village itself as well as many nearby chateau. The tunnels resemble a limestone cathedral and bear witness to the history of Saint Emilion. Visitors are welcome to traverse the “secret” passageways of this unique phenomenon and gaze in wonder at the hand quarried maze. Above the subterranean tunnels, several layers of precious soil types represent themselves all the way up to where the vine punctures the ground and continues its journey towards the nurturing rays of the sun. The bedrock gives the wine its characteristic hallmark by a process of transfer to the vines. It compensates for adverse weather conditions, whether excessive dryness or heavy rainfall as it is very porous allowing water to flow naturally. As the soil levels extend upwards, there is a starfish, limestone subsoil; evidence of ancient decaying organisms such as starfish eroded by the sea and wind which enriches the land. Beyond is the top stratum of clay and limestone soil, which the vines of Chateau Canon has been planted on for 500 years. The slightly bluish soil provides the wines with its fundamental flavor and subtle undertones. This aspect of the winemaking process is never witnessed when walking through the vineyard; nonetheless, is a vital component to this legendary terroir. This complex and unique soil structure allows for the life of the vines to prosper and ultimately the grapes. Here on the Right Bank, Merlot reigns supreme; however, Cabernet Franc is planted with a tender care and added to the final blend for Canon’s Premier Grand Cru Classe wine. Thirty-four hectares of vineyard are planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. The result is a stylish Bordeaux wine with a real sensation of minerality, ripe dark berries, licorice and spicy scents all coupled with and opulent personality. Canon is for individuals with patience as the wine is born to last and requiring at least 10-15 years before it’s open and ready to drink. With only 6,000 cases produced annually, buyers need to be vigilant upon new releases and those willing to wait will be rewarded with the complexities and the deep rooted characteristics that come with age, the unique soil structure and the grand terroir of this historical chateau.