The 2018 Canon la Gaffelière is a Bordeaux blend produced by Canon la Gaffelière in the Saint-Emilion region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, sealed with a traditional cork, boasts an alcohol content of 14.5%.
The wine has received outstanding reviews from several prominent wine critics, highlighting its complexity, balance, and aging potential. James Suckling awarded it a score of 96, praising its "fantastic depth and richness" with notes of "plums, mushrooms, bark, and some mahogany." He commends its "full-bodied, tight and focused" nature with "very fine tannins and a long, creamy finish," advising to drink it after 2025.
Wine Enthusiast also granted a score of 96, noting its "sophistication in a stream of black currant fruit set alongside the firm tannins that are still developing." They emphasize the "richness and freshness" at the end, suggesting that the wine holds promise for aging.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 95, describes the wine as "medium to deep garnet-purple colored" with a "seductive nose of plum preserves, kirsch, and Black Forest cake." The review highlights the wine's "chewy tannins and well-balanced freshness," culminating in a "long and savory" finish.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider also rated it 96, mentioning its aromatic blend of "truffle, flowers, mint, smoke, red pit fruits, licorice, and spice." He emphasizes the "mineral-driven, fresh, lively, silky, refined" character of the wine, made from a blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jeb Dunnuck, who scored it 95, describes the wine as "never the biggest or richest" but notes its "classic Saint-Emilion elegance" and "brilliant minerality." He remarks on its "dense purple hue" and "already complex bouquet" of kirsch, blackberries, and new saddle leather, with a "seamless, elegant texture" and "ripe tannins."
Vinous rated the wine 97, calling it "bright, punchy, and full of character." Antonio Galloni notes the elements of "sage, blood orange, mocha, and spice" that add to its "super-expressive" nature. He advises that the wine needs "a lot of air to open," but when it does, "it is dynamite."
In summary, the 2018 Canon la Gaffelière is a highly praised Bordeaux blend with a promising aging potential. Its complex flavors and balanced structure make it a noteworthy wine from the Saint-Emilion region, suitable for both immediate enjoyment and extended cellaring.