Château La Gaffelière
Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend
St. Émilion, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
Deep ruby color with a viscous grip of the glass. Fresh flowers and herbs, cranberry, spearmint, but otherwise youthful nose. Medium weight, medium plus alcohol, dry. Red fruits are more prominent on the front palate with medium acidity, and medium gripped tannins. Medium finish. Way too early to open this one. My fault. It will add at least 2 points with age. Thankfully, I have more that I will not disturb.
93 points
Deep ruby color with a viscous grip of the glass. Fresh flowers and herbs, cranberry, spearmint, but otherwise youthful nose. Medium weight, medium plus alcohol, dry. Red fruits are more prominent on the front palate with medium acidity, and medium gripped tannins. Medium finish. Way too early to open this one. My fault. It will add at least 2 points with age. Thankfully, I have more that I will not disturb.
93 points
2018 vintage. Celebrating the 60th vintage of the de Malet Roquefort family, the label is a copy of the 1959 label. A blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc. A bit shy at first, give it some time to open up and get rewarded with complex aromatics combining red and black fruits, flowers, spices and cigar box. Concentrated, with a tight tannic structure and fresh acidity. It's not a very flashy wine, but a very classic aristocratic wine build to age gracefully for decades. Wait at least 10 years to see a glimpse of the true potential of this beauty. Will merit a higher score in the future I am sure. Still reasonably priced for a Premier Grand Cru Classé. Abv. 14,5 %
2018 vintage. Celebrating the 60th vintage of the de Malet Roquefort family, the label is a copy of the 1959 label. A blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc. A bit shy at first, give it some time to open up and get rewarded with complex aromatics combining red and black fruits, flowers, spices and cigar box. Concentrated, with a tight tannic structure and fresh acidity. It's not a very flashy wine, but a very classic aristocratic wine build to age gracefully for decades. Wait at least 10 years to see a glimpse of the true potential of this beauty. Will merit a higher score in the future I am sure. Still reasonably priced for a Premier Grand Cru Classé. Abv. 14,5 %
Jan 4th, 2022
Holding up pretty well. Orange rind, tobacco, cedar, sweet fruit, menthol and backing acid. Fruit running away really quick it seems.
Holding up pretty well. Orange rind, tobacco, cedar, sweet fruit, menthol and backing acid. Fruit running away really quick it seems.
Aug 1st, 2021
The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, March 2021)
More developed than anticipated - piercing acid, hoisin and soy sauce, mushrooms, dried leather, and forest floor. Perhaps an off bottle considering other notes.
More developed than anticipated - piercing acid, hoisin and soy sauce, mushrooms, dried leather, and forest floor. Perhaps an off bottle considering other notes.
Nov 5th, 2019
Challenging vintage be damned! After a solid hour and a half of breathing this wine was opulent and seductive. Smooth dark fruit and lingering finish made for a wonderful sipping experience. Not to mention they were enjoyed on a French terrace which improved the overall experience. 🤙🏻👌😎
Challenging vintage be damned! After a solid hour and a half of breathing this wine was opulent and seductive. Smooth dark fruit and lingering finish made for a wonderful sipping experience. Not to mention they were enjoyed on a French terrace which improved the overall experience. 🤙🏻👌😎
Jul 10th, 2019
Cranberry and cherry flavors with gracefully aged body, leading to woodsy cloves and tawny undertones reflective of the color, burnt orange to orange red hues in the glass.
Cranberry and cherry flavors with gracefully aged body, leading to woodsy cloves and tawny undertones reflective of the color, burnt orange to orange red hues in the glass.
May 19th, 2019Drinking fairly well right now considering the era
Drinking fairly well right now considering the era
Jul 21st, 2018
Excellent 2005! When it was young it was full throttle, fruit driven with blue and black fruits. Now it still has that fruit but also some lovely secondary notes (espresso, truffle, asphalt and spice box) ... Took an hour to open up and could've used at least an hour in decanter. Start drinking now and enjoy over the following 20 years. It has the stuffing
Excellent 2005! When it was young it was full throttle, fruit driven with blue and black fruits. Now it still has that fruit but also some lovely secondary notes (espresso, truffle, asphalt and spice box) ... Took an hour to open up and could've used at least an hour in decanter. Start drinking now and enjoy over the following 20 years. It has the stuffing
3 people found it helpfulMar 16th, 2016