La Gaffeliere 2018 (3.0L)

94-97 WS / 94-97 VM / 96 DE / 95-96 JS / 94-96 WA / 92-95 JD

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. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

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.- Antonio Galloni

You can feel the excitement building around this estate following extensive replanting and refocussing. The frost of 2017 changed the blend a little, and they decided to stick with it as they liked the results so much - meaning they are using less of the vineyard for the grand vin. Whatever they are doing, it works. This has rich creaminess through the mid-palate that balances the austerity and salinity of the limestone terroir, and the brambled autumnal fruit is ripe and very much to the fore. It's a delicious, complex yet pared-back wine with layers of tannin that cradle rather than crush. A brilliant Gaffeliere. I tasted the individual components at the estate a few weeks ago, and it's great to see how they've assembled the final blend. Harvested between 10 September and 9 October. 60% new oak. 3.57pH. IPT 76. - Jane Anson, Decanter

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. - James Suckling

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. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

The grand vin of the estate, the 2018 Château La Gaffelière is a brilliant wine offering pure crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as fabulous minerality. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and elegant on the palate, it’s not a blockbuster but shines for its purity, balance, and just gorgeous texture. It will drink well with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. - Jeb Dunnuck