The 2021 Canon-La-Gaffelière is gorgeous, but it is also very closed today. I view that as a positive for its long-term prospects, but readers need to be patient here. The 2021 is a super-classic Canon-La-Gaffelière redolent of strong floral and mineral accents. Its energy and sheer breeding are truly remarkable. I can't wait to taste it with bottle age. Bright saline notes extend the long, beautifully persistent finish. The 2021 was aged 40% in new oak, 20% in tank and the remainder in used oak and 400-liter barrels. This really pulses with energy. -- Antonio Galloni

This has a gorgeous herbal-fruity nose, scented, fresh and lively with raspberry leaf. Impactful on the palate straight away - the fine-grained tannins hit the mouth and expand slowly alongside the liquorice spice and dark berry fruit with violet aromas. It's direct and linear at the moment, taut, and driven in one line. You feel it's coiled up ready to spring with strawberry fruit and the Cabernet aspects coming through. It's delicately textured, the mouthfeel is light and bouncy while the flavours slowly expand vertically. Touches of sweetness, bitterness and minerality appear adding interest from start to finish. I love the clarity you get. Impactful and full of complexity. Will be lovely to taste this in bottle. 5% more Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon than usual as some Merlot was lost to frost and mildew. A production of 98% grand vin.

Extremely perfumed with enticing cabernet franc aromas of black cherries and lavender. Some sandalwood. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are polished and beautiful, this wine has lovely length and freshness. 45% cabernet franc, 35% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Enjoyable now, but better in two or three years.

(WA 93-95 points) The 2021 Canon la Gaffelière is beautiful, bursting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, lilac, sweet berry fruit, burning embers and warm spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and beautifully refined tannins, it's the highlight of the von Neipperg portfolio this year. Cabernet Franc, as usual, takes the lead. - William Kelley

Elegant, refined, supple and fresh, initially you notice its bouquet filled flowers, dark cherries, spearmint, flowers, red fruits and spices. The palate is already offering its array or sweet, red berries, with their chalky accents. All of the oak has completely integrated leaving you with the vestiges of supple-textured, red fruits, spices, salt, and crushed stones. Utilizing 45% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is interesting to note this blend represents the highest portion of Cabernet used in the history of the estate. Drink from 2025-2050.

Shows gently mulled plum and blackberry fruit flavors that have good flesh and energy, while savory and sous-bois accents peek in throughout. Maintains enough juiciness through the finish too, letting the fruit play out in an unencumbered manner. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2035. - JM

Based on 45% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon raised in 40% new oak, the 2021 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière has lots of Cabernet Franc floral character as well as attractive red fruit, chalky minerality, leather, and rose petal nuances. It's medium-bodied and has fine tannins, a supple, silky profile, and outstanding length. Drink this charming, complex, elegant 2021 over the coming two decades.