2014 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The 2014 vintage from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere emerges as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Saint-Emilion terroirs. This vintage is particularly notable for how it transcended the challenges posed by a climatically capricious year in Bordeaux.

 

Elegant Adaptation in Difficult Conditions

In 2014, vignerons had to navigate a season that threw both hailstorms and unseasonably cool periods, only for an Indian summer to salvage much of the harvest. This turn of events particularly favourably affected the Right Bank, where conditions allowed merlot to achieve a commendable ripeness - a characteristic elegantly reflected in this wine.

 

Captivating Complexity; A Sommelier’s Delight

The 2014 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere offers a complex bouquet that interlaces ripe plums and black cherries with an undertone of wet earth and hints of truffle – an aromatic mirror to its merlot-dominant blend rooted firmly in clay-limestone soil. On the palate, this vintage delivers a composed symphony of flavours with cassis and hints of tobacco and spice wrapped in silky tannins – reiterating the adept craftsmanship at Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere.

It's a poised expression that bewitches with sufficient depth to unravel over the next decade. Yet, it remains accessible enough for drinking now, revealing layers that will tempt both connoisseurs and those newer to the investment landscape. Time in the bottle has begun to soften its frame, promising further integration with additional cellaring.

In summary, whilst decidedly contemporary in flavour profile and structure, the 2014 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere maintains an ever-present nod to tradition – it epitomises Saint-Emilion’s finesse under duress. It stands as a prudent acquisition for savvy investors looking to diversify their portfolio with robust wines capable of weathering market fluctuations as gracefully as they did their vintage conditions.