His particular advantage is his charm

Observing Stephan von Neipperg, he could be taken just for an ordinary aristocrat. But his candid and cordial smile made immediately disappear any doubt. Stephan is effectively a gentleman.

In Saint-Emilion where his family owns about ten châteaux, he is as appreciated as controversial. Admittedly his ironic humour astonished more than an inhabitant in the beautiful town! He decided to ignore all the rumours. "I am not a jealous person. If anybody makes great wines, I am happy for him". In fact, what he could be envious about?

Stephan von Neipperg refused for a long time to follow his family - a long line of owners and wine makers for more than 800 years. He would only prefer politics and classical music! However, in 1983, opening a bottle of Canon la Gaffelière 1953 he became aware of his destiny. After the purchase of Canon by his father and a few years of hesitation, he decided to go and set up in Saint-Emilion with his wife.

Associating himself with Stéphane Derenoncourt who had never been close to grape bunches before his arrival in Bordeaux in 1982, he renovates the castle and the vineyard. The count von Neipperg won hands down with Canon la Gaffelière since. His 1990, 1995 and 1998 vintages received 95/100 by Wine spectator and 90/100 for the 1993, 2000, 2001 and 2002 vintages.

Stephan von Neipperg "bothered" people when he arrived in the wine city. "He made people changing of mind". "People sees me as a revolutionary! Am I?", he answered with a charming smile.

2006, April 24 - © Wine spectator

Other information :
• Saint-Émilion
• Bordeaux
• Château Canon La Gaffelière