Buying options

Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 16.5/20 · Drink 2026-2042, Jancis Robinson MW, Jan 2022

Diam 30 closure. Tasted blind. Rich and racy on the nose. Rather sumptuous. Lots of very careful tannin management. Tannins emerge only on the very end – which is persistent. (JR)

Critic scores

Critic scores
95
95/100

Average Score

95
94-95/100

James Suckling

96
94-97/100

Jeb Dunnuck

More reviews and scores

17 points
Jancis Robinson MW
Score 17/20 · Drink 2021-2034, Jancis Robinson MW, Oct 2021

50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark blackish garnet. Seductive bouquet already. Very alluringly savoury and no excess alcohol or oak. Really appealing already! Just like the Canon 2018, but with slightly less concentration. (JR)

95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Score 95/100 · Drink 2024-2044, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, Mar 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 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Score 95/100 · Drink 2026-2051, Jeb Dunnuck, Mar 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.

About the producer

Square Canon-la-Gaffeliere
Canon la Gaffeliere

Owned by the Von Niepperg family (along with one of the original garage wines, La Mondotte), Ch. Canon-la-Gaffelière is known for its opulent, plush style of Saint-Emilion and high percentage of Cabernet.

View Producer

Product details

Grape Blend

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Alcohol ABV%

14.5%

Classification

Premier Grand Cru Classé B

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