1994 Canon la Gaffeliere

Caresses with fine tannins, but it's slightly closed at the moment. Medium- to full-bodied, with a silky finish. Mineral and fruit define the character. Try in 1999. – Wine Spectator 1997

This is one of the top estates of St.-Emilion. The ambitious proprietor, Comtes de Neipperg, is to be commended on the terrific job he has done at Canon-la-Gaffeliere since the mid-eighties. A dense purple color is accompanied by strikingly pure aromas of Provencal olives, jammy cassis, and smoky pain grillee notes. Ripe and fat, this medium to full-bodied, moderately tannic, muscular yet elegant wine needs another 2-4 years of cellaring. It should keep for 16-17 years. It is an impressive, well-balanced 1994. Feb 1997, www.robertparker.com

Minerals, black raspberry, oak spice and roasted coffee on the pristine nose. Dense, sweet, black cherry fruit offers excellent flavor intensity and texture. Finishes with substantial chewy tannins that will require bottle aging. Notes of earth, smoke and animal fur on the aftertaste. Large-scaled and rich but bright.