1998 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière

Very deep healthy crimson – still with notes of blue. Very rich and seductive on the nose. Fully evolved nose – very well married elements. Complete and impressive. Very fine tannins underneath should keep it going. Long. Well constructed. Rich, full and dramatic. (JR)

This saturated purple-colored 1998 offers sumptuous aromas of prunes, blueberries, overripe black cherries, chocolate, coffee, and spicy new oak. Full-bodied, opulent, and expressive, this flamboyant/ostentatious effort is crammed with glycerin and extract. The tannin is sweet in this accessible, multilayered 1998. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2022.

This is very fresh and multidimensional on the nose and palate. Aromas of blackberry, grilled meat and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with a solid core of firm yet silky tannins and a chocolate, berry and meaty finish. Luscious and opulent. Tight and beautiful. '88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2011. 4,580 cases made. – James Suckling, Wine Spectator2009