Wine for sale: Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere
Château Canon la Gaffelière
★ Partner ProducerThe 20th century was a challenging period for the property, with wines often criticised for lacking depth. A decisive turning point came in 1984, when Stephan von Neipperg, son of the previous owner, assumed responsibility for the estate. The qualitative transformation became evident from the 1988 vintage onward, following three years dedicated to restoring the soils and vines and implementing new working methods: exclusive use of organic fertilisers, moderated yields, manual harvesting, greater reliance on new oak, reaching up to 100% in certain vintages, and the creation of a Second Wine to allow for stricter selection of fruit for the First Wine.
These practices, previously unknown at the estate, help explain the distinctly average quality of its earlier wines. The revival was confirmed in the next two vintages, and again with the notably successful 1992, 1993 and 1997 releases, firmly establishing the property among the leading names of Saint-Émilion. With the support of Stéphane Derenoncourt, Stephan von Neipperg definitely restored the château to its former prestige. Now promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé status and certified organic since 2014, Canon La Gaffelière looks set for a remarkable future.
Driven by a long-standing passion for wine, the aristocratic German Niepperg family chose in 1971 to establish themselves in Bordeaux, acquiring Château Canon La Gaffelière along with several other Saint-Émilion estates, including La Mondotte and Clos de l’Oratoire.
The 20th century was a challenging period for the property, with wines often criticised for lacking depth. A decisive turning point came in 1984, when Stephan von Neipperg, son of the previous owner, assumed responsibility for the estate. The qualitative transformation became evident from the 1988 vintage onward, following three years dedicated to restoring the soils and vines and implementing new working methods: exclusive use of organic fertilisers, moderated yields, manual harvesting, greater reliance on new oak, reaching up to 100% in certain vintages, and the creation of a Second Wine to allow for stricter selection of fruit for the First Wine.
These practices, previously unknown at the estate, help explain the distinctly average quality of its earlier wines. The revival was confirmed in the next two vintages, and again with the notably successful 1992, 1993 and 1997 releases, firmly establishing the property among the leading names of Saint-Émilion. With the support of Stéphane Derenoncourt, Stephan von Neipperg definitely restored the château to its former prestige. Now promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé status and certified organic since 2014, Canon La Gaffelière looks set for a remarkable future.
