Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere 1988

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A very strong effort, and the first of a marvelous trilogy of wines from Canon-La-Gaffeliere, this dark plum/ruby-colored wine has a terrifically perfumed nose of smoked meats, jammy cherries and black currants, toast, roasted Provencal herbs, coffee, and a hint of chocolate. The wine is full-bodied, very rich and concentrated, with a bit more density and structure than the 1989. It is a wine that should continue to age beautifully even though it has hit its plateau of drinkability. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 10/02."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Shows pretty tobacco, prune and mushroom aromas that follow through to a medium body, with soft, round tannins and a fresh finish. Turns to milk chocolate and berries. Very ready.—´88/´98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now."