Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend

A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Initially closed on the nose but an hour after decanting it started to open up. Aromatics of blackberry, plum and touches of tobacco and mocha. A gorgeous right bank palate of fleshy Merlot flavours. About as good as it is ever going to be but could sit on the plateau for several more years. Finishes with silky tannins. A lovely wine - must drink more aged Bordeaux.

Dark purple from core to rim. Inviting nose of plum and blueberry cobbler. Medium full palate confirms the nose adding an undertone of balsa wood and graphite. Medium acidity. Medium dusty tannins. More excellence from the Count! 2016 was a classic vintage and this is a classic example of what the appellation can do. Drinking wonderfully now, but should reward cellaring through at least 2031.

The 2019 Canon-la-Gaffelière is quite punchy and bold on the nose. Blackberry and raspberry fruit, cedar and mint emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins, quite plush yet cohesive, fanning out towards the velvety finish with a brush of white pepper on the aftertaste. One of the more approachable Saint-Émilion wines in this vintage. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, February 2023)

Aromas of antique chest of drawers, tobacco and mocha. A lovely balanced fluid silky texture - so balanced that nothing stands out - it has all come together as it should. A wonderful right bank claret from a good year. M+ intensity, M minus acid, fine tannins - a class act. A neighbour of the more famous Chateau Ausone. The percentages may vary according to the vintage but roughly it is 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Located on the outskirts of the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, at the southern foot of the slope. A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cab Franc &10% Cab Sauv, aged in 60% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruit with cedar & spice. On the palate flavors of ripe dark berry fruits, cacao, tobacco and espresso notes. Well balanced, perfect tannins, a joy to drink, starting to open but cellaring will only add to a better tasting experience!

The 2018 Canon La Gaffelière is bright, punchy and full of character, just as it was from barrel. Sage, blood orange, mocha and spice add pretty aromatic top notes to a core of inky red/purplish berry fruit. All the elements are so well balanced in this super-expressive Saint-Émilion. Bright floral and savory Franc notes punctuate the salivating finish, mineral-drenched finish. The 2018 needs a lot of air to open, but when it does, it is dynamite. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)

Tried ‘16 about a year ago. Located on the outskirts of the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, at the southern foot of the slope. A blend of mostly Merlot, with Cab Franc & Cab Sauv, aged in 60% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruit with cedar & spice. On the palate flavors of ripe dark berry fruits, cacao, tobacco and espresso notes. Well balanced, fine tannins, a joy to drink, just starting to open but cellaring will only add to a better tasting experience! Nice!

Tried about a year ago. Located on the outskirts of the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, at the southern foot of the slope. A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cab Franc &10% Cab Sauv, aged in 60% new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruit with cedar & spice. On the palate flavors of ripe dark berry fruits, cacao, tobacco and espresso notes. Well balanced, perfect tannins, a joy to drink, just starting to open but cellaring will only add to a better tasting experience!

Smooth, rich and delicious. Quite juicy. Well balanced.

Merlot driven, flabby. Very developed.