2012 La Gaffeliere
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Tasting notes
The 2012 La Gaffelière is sultry on the nose with red berry fruit, embers, cigar box and light minty aromas. The palate does not quite build on the promise of the nose, a little static and flat with light grip and a rather austere finish. However, this did show some improvement in the glass unlike others that deteriorated slightly. I will leave a precautionary question mark against my score as I suspect there are better bottles. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Pale ruby. Sweet nose – still! Round with the tannins fully receded. Quite voluptuous! Some charm. But it’s drying out. (JR)
Tasted blind. Spicy very ripe nose. Dry finish. Interesting hemp nose. Lack of juice. (JR)
The 2012 La Gaffeliere comes across as quite compact today, although the underlying material appears promising. The 20% Cabernet Franc is evident, especially in the wines tannic profile. Hints of iron, smoke and leather open up with time in the glass, but the 2012 is going to need at least a few more years in bottle. Still, there is plenty to look forward to. Beginning with the 2011 vintage, all the younger Cabernet Franc plantings are online, and the Franc in the grand vin is expected to climb to the 30-40% range. The 2012 is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Simon Blanchard are the consulting winemakers.
About the producer
Bordering both Ausone and Pavie, this property has been owned by the De Malet Roquefort line for over 300 years – making them the oldest winegrowing family in Saint-Emilion.