2018 Château Canon-la-Gaffelière

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)

The 2018 Canon-la-Gaffelière has an irresistible bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and touches of lavender that blossoms as soon as it opens, though it reaches its zenith only after 4–5 hours. The palate is medium-bodied with red and black fruit, a little grainier in texture than it showed from barrel, yet still spicy toward the finish. Black pepper, menthol and sage notes linger in the mouth. I think this might close up for a while, so cellar for 4–6 years.

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.