This is well done with a lovely center palate of blueberries, chocolate, and orange peel. Full and round with polished tannins. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 91-92/100
Fresh and elegant, as is the style. Less opulence than 2009 and 2010 but attractive fruit and plenty of charm and finesse. Chalky terroir evident. Drink 2020-2035. Decanter.com
DecanterScore: 17/20
One of the oldest family-owned vineyards in St.-Emilion, La Gaffeliere has been owned by the same family since the 1400s. The 2011 performed slightly differently in multiple tastings, but overall, it appears to be an outstanding, elegant, restrained, somewhat austere, but impressively built wine. The final blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc produced nearly 5,000 cases from their 42+ acre vineyard. The wine exhibits lots of earthy, balsam, resiny notes interwoven with red and black currants, cedar and underbrush. This elegant, dense, medium to full-bodied St.-Emilion should drink nicely for 15-20 years. Apr 2012, www.robertparker.com
Robert ParkerScore: 90-93/100
Rather ripe, flashy style, with a slightly gushy feel to the blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors, which are mashed together. Lots of perfumy mocha on the finish. A little more sizzle than steak in the end though. James Molesworth, WineSpectator.com
Wine SpectatorScore: 88-91/100
This has a plush, rather oaky bouquet with cassis and blueberry fruit. It is pure but there is not much depth and complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with a very smooth entry, almost chocolaty in texture but the tannins seem a little dry and mealy towards the worked finish. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
Neal MartinScore: 86-88/100
Bordeaux / France