2018 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
By Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
2018 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The revered terroir of Saint-Emilion has, once again, brought forth a remarkable offering in the form of the 2018 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere from Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere. This vintage stands as a testament to the intricate alchemy between nature and nurture, reflective of both the character of its birth year and the relentless pursuit of excellence synonymous with its esteemed origin.
Eloquence in a Bottle: The 2018 Vintage Narrative
The year 2018 bestowed upon Bordeaux a riveting narrative of climatic challenges, ultimately culminating in a triumph for those vineyards positioned to grasp the rewards. A wet start to the growing season yielded to a gloriously dry and hot summer, followed by an optimum harvest period. This climatic serendipity is eloquently expressed in 2018 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere, capturing the year's uniquely favourable conditions.
Artful Assemblage: A Pyrotechnic Palate Experience
This vintage reveals itself with a symphony of balance and complexity. It brandishes a bouquet where luscious blackberries and dark plums pirouette with hints of smoked earthiness – an evocation of its storied soils. On the palate, this Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere selection unfolds dynamically with measured tannins that promise grace through maturation. The warm 2018 summer is etched into every sip, with ripe fruit profiles leading the finessed dance of flavours.
The minerality vibrates subtly alongside nuanced oak influences, conferring a length on the finish that will resonate pleasingly with collectors and enthusiasts alike. This vintage delightfully articulates the essence of its lineage—an intricate masterpiece crafted by nature's own unpredictable whimsy and human expertise.
Investment Worthy: 2018 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
In conclusion, 2018 Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere stands as a beacon for prudent investors—its poised elegance and layered profundity rendering it one of the most compelling entrants from Bordeaux for the year. The skilled artisans behind its inception have once more affirmed their commitment to wine crafting wizardry, ensuring that this nectar not only enchants today but will continue to unfold its narrative over time, much to the delight of those who possess the wisdom to secure it now.
Market price (GBP)
£370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
23.13
Scores and tasting notes
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.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 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.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
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 - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 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.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
Owner Stephan von Neipperg always gives a little kick to his wines, a little swirl of oak finesse, a nod in the direction of glamour without going overboard. This gets the balance pretty much perfect, and although you can feel the ripeness of those red fruits, it's balanced by the minerality through the finish that asks you to stop, scrape your way up the limestone walls and rest at the top for the view. Good quality. Harvest ran from 19 September to 4 October, with a yield of 35hl/ha. 50% new oak.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019