Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018
(Bordeaux, France) - [VM 97] [WS 96] [JS 96] [WA 95+] [JD 95] [WE 95]

About the Winery:
Located on the pied de côte (foot of the slope) south of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, Château Canon La Gaffelière's terroir consists of clay-limestone and clay-sand soil that is very permeable and particularly efficient at retaining heat.

The choice of grape varieties is rather atypical for the appellation in light of the soil: almost a perfect 50/50 divide between Merlot and Cabernet. The Cabernets ripen early and remarkably well on Canon La Gaffelière's warm soil, adding power and aromatic complexity to Merlot's opulence to create wines of natural elegance and finesse.

In keeping with vineyard management adapted to each plot, the vat room was designed to be able to ferment and house wine made from each one in order to fine tune the final blend. Fermentation takes place slowly and temperatures are kept under close control to bring out the best the grapes have to offer. The wine is aged on the lees to enhance its intrinsic qualities and each barrel is treated individually. Non-interventionist winemaking is practised and in such a way as to make the most of vintage character.

Technical Data

Harvest dates: 26/09 to 15/10/2016
Yield: 42 hl/ha
Fermentation: in wooden vats for 32 days. Extraction by pneumatic pigeage (punching down the cap)
Ageing: in new oak barrels (60%) on the lees for 17 months. No fining
Bottling: Château-bottled in June 2018 (04/06 to 07/06)
Blend: 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol content: 14.5%

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"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-Emilion. Bright floral and savory Franc notes punctuate the salivating, mineral-drenched finish. The 2018 needs a lot of air to open, but when it does, it is dynamite." - Antonio Galloni (Mar 2021)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"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 (Mar 2021)

96 Points - James Suckling:
"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." (Jan 2021)

95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Mar 2021)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"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." (3/11/2021)

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"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." - Roger Voss (4/1/2019)