| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Château La Gaffeliere has been owned by the same family since 1705, with vineyards located close to Ausone and Pavie. Half of the vineyard has been replanted since 2001, with the aim to improve quality and address the balance of varieties in the vineyard. Cabernet Franc has been planted on the hillsides, increasing the percentage available for the first wine. Experiments with whole bunch fermentation have proved succesful, and there is now 10% included since 2015, all from Cabernet Franc plots.
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Gaffeliere is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to offer peeks at notions of stewed red and black plums, mulberries and Morello cherries, plus hints of damp earth, tar and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, delivering crunchy red and black fruits with an approachable texture of fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long with a lifted perfume. This is a refreshing, beautifully perfumed and skillfully crafted expression of the vintage. Give it 4-5 years in bottle and then enjoy it over the next 20 years+. 2025 - 2045
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.
Diam 30 closure.
Tasted blind. Interesting wine. Distinctive nose of blueberries. Round and energetic with real drive. Long. Not like the rest in this flight. 14.5%
Drink 2027 – 2042
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.
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.
