2017 Château La Gaffelière
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Tasting notes
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc. Crimson hue but light at the rim. Lacks the power and depth of a top year but the change of style is positive and distinct. Fragrant and floral on the nose; really quite racé . Lighter weight and frame but elegance maintained on the palate. Fine, powdery tannins. Clean if a little short on the finish. (JL)
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Brown bananas and kirsch on the nose. Something leathery, earthy here. Fleshy incense-lined fruit brings body to the palate before mouth-coating, austere tannins bring a jagged edge. The finish dries out, leaving a puckering end. Hard to see when this will be ready to drink. (TP)
The 2017 La Gaffelière possesses off-the-charts aromatic intensity in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Wild rose petals, blood orange and spice give the 2017 striking aromatic intensity. Medium in body, lithe and supremely gracious, the 2017 is one of the real highlights of this challenging vintage. It is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it.
The 2017 La Gaffeliere is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant scents of kirsch, black raspberries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, rosehip tea and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and sophistication, with tons of bright, perfumed fruit and exquisitely ripe tannins, finishing with bags of freshness and energy. Since the lower-lying sections of La Gaffeliere were affected by frost this year, this wine mainly comes from the section up on the Saint-Émilion plateau, near Ausone. Truly impressive!
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.