Canon la Gaffelière (BIO-ORGANIC) - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Vinous

97

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

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.

Wine Advocate

95

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/31/2021

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Canon la Gaffeliere out of the gate delivers a seductive nose of plum preserves, kirsch and Black Forest cake with nuances of lilacs, underbrush, Indian spices and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate is filled with black fruit preserves and loads of spicy accents, supported by chewy tannins and well-balanced freshness, finishing long and savory. 95+

Jeb DUNNUCK

95

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/16/2021

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.

The Wine Cellar Insider

96

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

Aromatically, the blend of truffle, flowers, mint, smoke, red pit fruits, licorice and spice keeps you busy, But the star of the show is all the mineral driven, fresh, lively, silky, refined, waves of roasted, ripe, red fruits and spice. Long, complex, lifted and vibrant, the fruit lingers and expands on your palate from the mid-palate through to the finish. The wine was made from a blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 Canon-la-Gaffelière has an irresistible bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and touches of lavender that blossoms as soon as it opens, though it reaches its zenith only after 4–5 hours. The palate is medium-bodied with red and black fruit, a little grainier in texture than it showed from barrel, yet still spicy toward the finish. Black pepper, menthol and sage notes linger in the mouth. I think this might close up for a while, so cellar for 4–6 years.

Wine Spectator

96

byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021

This has a lovely core of mulled cassis, damson plum and raspberry reduction notes, framed with an applewood note that integrates nicely while red tea, savory and chalky mineral notes develop through the finish. Restrained style, precise and very long. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024 through 2038. 5,833 cases made. –JM

Yvesbeck.wine

96

byYves Beckthe1/26/2021

Rouge grenat dense. Bouquet juvénile, marqué par la fraîcheur des baies rouges. Avec un peu d'aération, il révèle des notes crayeuses ainsi que des nuances de thym et de violettes. Agréable fraîcheur en attaque. Le vin a du corps, de la finesse et du tempérament. Une sorte de compromis entre grandeur et ténacité, entre ferveur et élégance. Un vin brillant de précision.

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe1/26/2021

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.

Decanter.com

95

byJane Ansonthe1/12/2021

WeinWisser

19

byTjark Witzgallthe5/7/2019

Vinous

95-98

byAntonio Gallonithe5/3/2019

The 2018 Canon La Gaffelière 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-Émilion that melds together aromatic intensity and fruit richness. Even with all of its intensity, the 2018 retains an element of translucence that is 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 two times.

Vinifera

94-96

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Robe grenat. Nez un peu sombre sur les épices, la mine de crayon, puis apparaissent les notes fruitées. Le vin est doté d'une certaine complexité. le corps est finement tramé, ascendant, avec un tanin sapide, légèrement salin, très jolie finale. Un des plus fins CLG des dernières années. Un vin avec une belle vinosité. 

The Wine Cellar Insider

96-98

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Full-bodied, graceful and sensuous, this wine is packed with layers of luscious fruits. The purity of the berries stands out this year, as does the length, density and energy. In the finish you'll find velvety plums, cherries, licorice, chocolate and spice. The wine was made from a blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, reaching 14% alcohol, the harvest took place September 17 to October 4.

Wine Advocate

94-96

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

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.

Wine Enthusiast

94-96

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2019

This already shows sophistication in a stream of black currant fruit set alongside the firm tannins that are still developing. Its structure and juicy berry fruits give richness and freshness at the end while also promising aging.

Jamessuckling.com

94-95

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

A lovely, fruity and juicy red with mineral and dried-tea character. Full and tightly structured with a long and flavorful finish. Tight at the moment, but shows momentum and depth.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

89

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Wine Spectator

95-98

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

A bright, mineral-driven style in the making, with the chalky aspect leading the way, quickly followed by a racy stream of red currant, raspberry and cherry coulis flavors. Has the grip of the vintage, but this is piercingly focused in feel.