La Gaffelière 2018

The 2018 La Gaffelière is a little closed on the nose at present, demands coaxing before revealing scents of blackberry, bilberry and white pepper aromas. There is something...enigmatic about the bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. The oak is beautifully integrated and there is real tension and mineralité on the finish. I must confess that I was not expecting this to be as good as it shows. It is an outstanding La Gaffelière that will age with panache. In over 20 years of tasting this property, this is easily the finest that I have encountered.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Gaffeliere reveals classically sophisticated scents of ripe black plums, warm blackberries and cigar box with touches of star anise, dried Provence herbs, chocolate mint and truffles. Full-bodied, it has a solid backbone of ripe, rounded tannins and lovely freshness lifting the densely layered fruit to a long finish.

The blue-fruit and sea-salt character is fascinating in this. Full-bodied yet tight and very focused. It really lasts for minutes on the palate. Forceful but full of finesse as well.

The 2018 La Gaffelière is once again one of the finest and most pedigreed wines in Saint-Émilion and all of Bordeaux for that matter. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc (37%) gives the wine striking aromatic nuance and complexity, as well as fabulous drive. Rose petal, sage, mint and blood orange all soar out of the glass in a stunning Saint-Émilion loaded with class and personality. Consulting winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt has turned out another gem at this revitalized property. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc.

Saturated purple colour with a sweet, ripe nose of damsons and blackberry. The palate is rich, glossy and polished, with heady, exotic fruits at the core. The tannins are soft and supple allowing the ripe fruit to dominate. Powerful and concentrated, modern and a little warming on the finish.

Features a beautiful beam of cassis, bitter cherry and raspberry fruit streaming through, laced with chalky minerality and backed by floral and spice accents, all allied to a polished, luxurious feel that doesn't sacrifice definition or drive.