Canon-La Gaffelière St-Emilion 2012

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Canon La Gaffelière possesses striking aromatic presence, beautifully layered fruit and exceptional balance. This is arguably the most refined, precise wine in Stephan von Neipperg's stable, which is not surprising given the blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Rose petal, mint and generous red stone fruits meld into the creamy yet understated finish. This is a striking 2012 that speaks to finesse. Drink: 2018-2037. (Jan 2016)"

93 points Robert Parker: "Proprietor Comtes von Neipperg has done an incredible job with this estate, turning things around from a vegetal, diluted and undernourished wine in the 1970s and 1980s to something that has gotten stronger and strong ever since 1988. The dense ruby/purple 2012 offers pure blackcurrant and black cherry fruit along with some notes of Christmas spices and earth. It is full-bodied and opulent, with light tannins in the finish. This is a beauty of impeccable balance, great purity and texture. Kudos to von Neipperg, who rarely ever seems to make a mistake. Anticipated maturity: now-2030. The final blend tips the scales at 13.5% from an equal-part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. (4/29/15)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2012 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere is an elegant, floral, and spice-driven Saint-Emilion offering full-bodied richness, fine, silky tannin and impeccable balance. It’s one of the more classic, elegant 2012s that’s going to benefit from another few years of cellaring and have two decades of overall longevity. Drink: 2017-2037. (12/12/17)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "This has a lovely core of pure, fresh, well-defined boysenberry, blackberry and plum fruit, which glides beautifully over polished alder and vanilla notes while hints of violet and anise fill in on the finish. A lovely whiff of tobacco chimes in at the very end. This should be fun to cellar. A big wine that goes with the flow of the vintage and doesn't try to overdo it. Best from 2018 through 2027. (3/31/15)"

93 points Richard Jennings: "Very dark red violet color; appealing, lifted, tart black currant, plum nose; silky textured, tart berry, black currant palate; needs 4-plus years; medium-plus finish 93+ points (50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) (1/30/15)"