Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere

Set on Saint-Emilion's northeastern plateau, Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere has transformed from an overlooked estate into a Premier Grand Cru Classe B star over the past three decades. With the help of the fiery Stephan Von Niepperg, Canon la Gaffeliere wines are now regarded as a top blend in Bordeaux, mixing merlot with the cabernet varieties to create a final bottle marked by elegance and finesse. As modern technology and innovative vinification techniques enter the Chateau, one can expect Canon la Gaffeliere to further its ascent into Right Bank glory.

Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere: The Von Neipperg Legacy

Canon la Gaffeliere's winemaking history can be traced back to Roman times, as archaeologists unearthed mosaics depicting vine planting in the 1960s. After undergoing a period as a leprosy hospital and inn for the bourgeoisie during the Middle Ages, the property was restored to a chateau by the Boitard de la Poterie family in the late 18th century. The family renamed the property Chateau Gaffeliere-Boitard and maintained operations until 1971, when the affluent German family, the Von Neippergs, purchased the estate. The Von Neippergs have been making wine in Germany since the 13th century, with Count Joseph Von Neipperg deciding to move his family to Bordeaux after scoping out the land. Fifteen years after taking over, Count Joseph passed on ownership to his son, Count Stephan, who quickly guided Canon la Gaffeliere to the top of Bordeaux's rankings. 

Count Stephan Von Neipperg: Top Right Bank Winemaker

In 2006, Wine Spectator wrote an article detailing the life and career of Stephan Von Neipperg, referring to the winemaker as "one of the Right Bank's most successful—and controversial—figures." Known for his sarcastic remarks and bold winemaking, the German winemaker has made a home in Bordeaux, gaining widespread recognition for his immense work at La Mondotte and Canon la Gaffeliere. And, with four more Bordeaux estates under his family's Von Neipperg portfolio, Count Stephan has accumulated over four decades of quality vintages, with the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere making its place at #2 on Wine Spectator's Top Wines of 2018.

As a brazen and revolutionary figure, Von Neipperg has never been afraid to take big risks. In 1996, the German opted to hire then-unknown Stephane Derenoncourt, who was working at a Normandy mill and hitchhiking to Bordeaux. Derenoncourt had no prior winemaking experience and was a self-taught enologist— traits that piqued Von Neipperg's interest. The duo quickly began experimenting on Gaffeliere's wines, producing an atypical cabernet and merlot blend from the Saint-Emilion terroir. While many scoffed at the idea at the time, Derenoncourt has become one of fine wine's top consultants, recreating his magic at top Bordeaux estates like Clos Fourtet, Smith Haut Lafite, and Beausejour. 

Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere Saint Emilion Grand Cru Terroir

With a 19.5-hectare estate on clay-limestone and clay-sand soils, Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere is located in a unique spot in Saint-Emilion. Here, merlot vines are grown alongside cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, each averaging 50 years of age. Organic methods are used throughout the vineyard, as Count Stephan makes it imperative to use organic compost to maintain the soil's health. 

During each harvest, light plowing takes place and, once the fruit is fully mature, it is hand-harvested and sorted twice, before and after destemming. Next, the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled vats, then aged in 100% French new oak barrels for up to 18 months. A new aging device has made its way into the Chateau— the Wineglobe, a 100% glass orb, has been brought in to experiment with vinifying and aging the wine, illustrating Von Neipperg's commitment to innovation. 

2016 Canon la Gaffeliere and Other Top Vintages

In addition to the highly rated 2015 vintage, the 2016 Canon la Gaffeliere has quickly become a fan favorite, with many drinkers seeking a bottle for their collection. Rated 96 points by both Antonio Galloni and James Suckling, the wine was noted for its elegance and refinement despite being full-bodied. Other notable releases include the 1998, 2003, and 2010 vintages.

As one of Bordeaux's rising stars with a revolutionary winemaker at the helm, any bottle from Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere is perfect for discerning drinkers looking to add a Saint-Emilion classed bottle to their collection. Shop through our collection and choose one of these top Bordeaux wines for your cellar.