Chateau Canon-La Gaffelière St. Emilion 2018

98 Points | V
“The 2018 Canon la Gaffeliere is extraordinary.  Fresh, vibrant and bursting at the seams with energy, the 2018 takes full advantage of all the work Stephan von Neipperg and his team have implemented at their properties.  Expressive floral and savory notes add myriad shades of nuance to a dark, sumptuous Saint-Emilion that melds together aromatic intensity and fruit richness.  Even with all of its intensity, the 2018 retains an element of translucence that’s beguiling.  The blend is 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is to say a bit more Cabernet than in the past.  Tasted 2 times.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous (4/2019)

97 Points | V
“The 2018 Canon La Gaffelière is bright, punchy and full of character, just as it was from barrel. Sage, blood orange, mocha and spice add pretty aromatic top notes to a core of inky red/purplish berry fruit. All the elements are so well balanced in this super-expressive Saint-Émilion. Bright floral and savory Franc notes punctuate the salivating finish, mineral-drenched finish. The 2018 needs a lot of air to open, but when it does, it is dynamite.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous (3/2021)

96 Points | RP
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Canon la Gaffeliere has a fantastically exuberant nose of preserved plums, blueberry compote and black cherry pie with hints of menthol, mocha, Sichuan pepper and garrigue plus wafts of lavender and tilled soil. Full-bodied, concentrated and wonderfully decadent, it has a firm yet plush texture and just enough freshness in the background, finishing long with a menthol lift.” - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

96 Points | JS
“Fantastic depth and richness to the nose with plums, mushrooms, bark and some mahogany. Full-bodied, tight and focused with very fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Lovely polish, balance and clarity. Drink after 2025.” - James Suckling

95 Points | JD
“Another beautiful vintage for this cuvée, the 2018 Château Canon La Gaffelière is based on 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 50% new French oak, with the balance all in used barrels. It's never the biggest or richest wine in the vintage yet always has a classic Saint-Emilion elegance as well as brilliant minerality. The 2018 reveals a dense purple hue to go with an already complex bouquet of kirsch, blackberries, new saddle leather, bouquet garni, tobacco, and flowery incense. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish, it builds nicely with time in the glass and is a complex, flawlessly balanced Saint-Emilion that offers both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. It's going to keep for 20-30 years, and I'd recommend a healthy decant or a good 4-6 years of bottle age.” - Jeb Dunuck

95 Points | D
“This has the clear edge over La Mondotte {same ownership} for me because it combines the polish and glamour of a St-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé with the salt taffy tang of limestone. Still a silky texture but a more attractive slate edge coming in on the finish to temper the sweet fruit and slow things down. A highly impressive wine. The harvest ran from 19 September to 4 October, with a yield of 35hl/ha. 50% new oak. Certified organic.” - Decanter