Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Located in the Toro region of Spain. Its four vineyards are located along the south bank of the Duero River, aged 18 mos in 60% new French oak. Bright Ruby, complex fruit aromas, spice and oak. On the palate blackberry fruit, powerful, elegant, with spice & smoky notes on full, very fine tannins. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with mineral earthy tones, a joy to Sip!! Will age! — 12 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.7

Ruby with complex fruit aromas, spice and oak. Blend of 90% Tempranillo & 10% Graciano, aged 48 months on American oak, 20% new. On the palate flavors of dark berry fruits with spice, oak and smoky earthy notes, slight vanilla nuances on ripe full soft silky tannins. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with fruit, oak, cigar box spice and clean mineral earthy tones, a joy to Sip this Fine Wine!! Tasting great, has more aging potential! — 7 months ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.5

Way too young… but fully enjoyable at this stage. Not much nose… green apple and pear… wonderful balance! Wondering where this will go , but a joy with halibut and salmon in a state where laws make drinking problematic. Assume this will close up like a sea turtle, but lots of pleasure already. Look for a competitive price… but stock up. — 3 years ago

Byron Fuller

9.5

No surprise this was wine of the Christmas Europe trip. Initially quite high-tones and acid dominated (even after 90 mins’ decant). Nose of graphite and blackcurrant— and soaringly so. Eventually settled to darker fruit. Not fleshy in any way, just plumes of flavor incredibly well-knit. Always a joy for how seemingly *not* powerful it is— that is until the structure registers like a bass blast. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Canon-La-Gaffelière 2023 – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Premier Grand Cru Classé

Overview
An immediately approachable yet confidently structured Saint-Émilion driven by Merlot 45% blend with Cabernet Franc 45% and Cabernet Sauvignon 10% as a support. Expressive dark fruit, polished tannins, and vibrant freshness combine to deliver a wine that feels energetic, juicy, and dangerously easy to drink while still carrying clear pedigree and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe raspberry, plum skin, violet, crushed limestone, sweet baking spice, cocoa nib, subtle graphite and fresh herbal lift.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with a silky, flowing entry, finely textured tannins, lively yet integrated acidity, supple mid-palate juiciness, and a clean, polished finish that glides effortlessly.

Food Pairings
Grilled duck breast, pork tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, mushroom tagliatelle, aged Gouda, charcuterie boards.

Verdict
A beautifully tuned balance between accessibility and sophistication. The wine shows clarity of fruit, finesse of structure, and immediate pleasure without sacrificing complexity, a modern, confident Saint-Émilion expression.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is pure driving joy, confident lines through the corners but relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery. Slightly juicy, deliciously drinkable, and dangerously charming, it’s the kind of bottle that disappears faster than expected while still leaving a serious impression. — a month ago

Shay A

9.2

92-93 for me.

Consumed half bottle at pop, then corked for another 4hrs before consuming the rest. No change.

What a beautifully elegant and refined ‘09. The highest compliment I can give this is that it was a simplistic joy. Some wines make it easy to get nerdy and command your attention…some wines are underwhelming and not worth your time. This was squarely in the middle. It was a joy to not feel the need to overthink…it’s exactly what it should be. No bricking at almost 15yrs. Decidedly black fruit heavy (black currant, cassis, underripe blackberries) with a sprinkling of raspberries and black cherries. Aromas of sweet pipe tobacco, dark florals. Integrated on the palate with good structure and acidity…not a massive wine, but it put on a bit of weight/length the longer it was open. Still sporting a fair bit of tannin at the finish, but it’s balanced. Drink or hold. — 2 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.2

Interesting wine. Jalapeño, sage, dark fruit, needs air. Needs food! Overall an interesting experience with a flawed wine. — 3 months ago

Bonnie Chu

8.9

California tasting, more austere — 6 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2006 | deep colour, ruby red/brown rim, classic smell with laurel, cassis, autumn forrest, milkchocoalte, taste still powerfull, probably enough reserves to go another 5 years, but it gives joy now. Good balance and fine acidity. | Paired with beef finch, potatoes from the oven and a salad / mixed vegetables. — 2 years ago

Joe Estrada

9.3

Perfect with an asian chicken salad — 4 years ago