| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 38 hectare estate is situated below Ausone and close to Pavie on the limestone south-facing slopes of Saint Emilion. 22 hectares are currently under vine. Planted with 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and aged in 50% new oak.
The 2023 vintage here is 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc.
The 2023 La Gaffelière is very pure and floral on the nose, with black cherries intermingling with violet and iris flower scents. The new oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and layers of lightly spiced black fruit. Cedar and graphite furnish the poised but persistent finish. This is another in a succession of impressive wines from this estate that just oozes sensuality. Superb.
This Gaffeliere will have its admirers but is a sweet, polished style. Blueberries and black forest gateau line together with a hint of slightly tarry oak on the nose. The palate is very polished and slick, a real feel of fatty glycerol to the fruit. A rounded, succulent and slightly warming wine, it is one for the hedonists but has the purity underneath.
The center-palate reflects excellent terroir, with blackberry, black-olive and walnut aromas and flavors. Tight center-palate with firm but creamy tannins and a flavorful, classy finish.
The 2023 La Gaffeliere is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with fragrant scents of boysenberries, fresh juicy plums, and black raspberries opening out to hints of lilacs, Sichuan pepper, fragrant soil, and cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is exquisitely knit with filigree layers of black and red berries and floral accents, supported by plush tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long and perfumed. Wow! The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.50.
Love the depth and the vibrant fruit character here, and the vivid reflections to the colour. Chalky, fresh, extremely vibrant, real mineral pumice stone textire, and a clear reminder of its limestone soils. Aged in barrels and large oak casks. Tasted twice. Now withdrawn from the St Emilion classification. Alexandre de Malet-Roquefort owner.
The 2023 La Gaffelière is a dense, powerful wine. As has been the case since 2018, La Gaffelière has a strong Franc component—40% in 2023. Usually, the aromatics are quite lifted, but this wine is rather dense. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are impeccably balanced. This will need time to be at its best, but it shows promise. The introduction of 500-liter barrels and a reduction of new oak closes the wine a bit, but there's a ton of raw energy here and a good bit of tannin, too. 2030 - 2048
58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Elegant and floral. Terroir-driven on the palate. Tight and firmly structured. A touch reticent and austere at the moment but clear potential. Worth waiting. (JL) 14%
Drink 2030 – 2042
