Château LA GAFFELIÈRE
Non-classified wine

The 2021 vintage in the press:

La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 94/100 Coup de ♥ “Refinement and an invigorating chalky feel elevate this elegant 2021[...]A serene future is promised.”

The 2020 vintage in the press:

La Revue du Vin de France (September 2023): 96/100 “Magnificent concentration, velvety, suave, without the solar excess of this vintage. With aeration in the glass, the expression rises to a crescendo. The refinement of the material gracefully lifts it into the world of the great Saint-Emilions. A chalky, chalky sensation distinguishes the finish”.

Vinous (N. Martin - November 2024): 93+/100 “The 2020 La Gaffelière has a classicaly styled, tertiary, tobacco-scented bouquet that unfolds in a pleasing fashion. The palate is medium-bodied with lighter tannins than its peers, but it's still nicely balanced and pure. A caressing white pepper- and clove - tinged finish lingers in the mouth. It's very fine, but as previously noted, this is quite a backward Saint-Emilion, which explains the plus sign and my lower mark than before.”

The 2020 vintage in the press:

La Revue du Vin de France (September 2023): 96/100 “Magnificent concentration, velvety, suave, without the solar excess of this vintage. With aeration in the glass, the expression rises to a crescendo. The refinement of the material gracefully lifts it into the world of the great Saint-Emilions. A chalky, chalky sensation distinguishes the finish”.

Vinous (N. Martin - November 2024): 93+/100 “The 2020 La Gaffelière has a classicaly styled, tertiary, tobacco-scented bouquet that unfolds in a pleasing fashion. The palate is medium-bodied with lighter tannins than its peers, but it's still nicely balanced and pure. A caressing white pepper- and clove - tinged finish lingers in the mouth. It's very fine, but as previously noted, this is quite a backward Saint-Emilion, which explains the plus sign and my lower mark than before.”

The 2019 vintage in the press:

La Revue du Vin de France (September 2022): 95-96/100 “Defending a classic yet expressive style, built on finesse in the second half of the palate, this cru with its exceptional terroir has not finished surprising. Over the last ten years, the proportion of Merlot has been reduced in favor of Cabernet Franc, which now accounts for 30% of the blend. Grapes from new plantings have brought greater depth to recent vintages, and in particular to this expansive, well-balanced, long-lasting 2019”.

Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2022): 96/100 "The 2019 La Gaffelière is just as impressive as it was en primeur. Bright and tightly wound, La Gaffelière sizzles with energy. Dark red fruit, mocha, blood orange, mint and dried flowers lend striking aromatic presence. There is some youthful austerity here, but nothing time in bottle won't take care of. The 2019 doesn't quite match the stratospheric grandeur of the magical 2018, but it comes close."

The 2018 vintage in the press:

En Magnum (April 2021): 97/100 “Great purity of definition, both in terms of body and aromatic intensity, precisely restoring an aesthetic and streamlined material, cut with a sense of depth, with a praiseworthy refinement. The very definition of brilliance, class and delicacy - in short, this la-gaffelière is on the verge of greatness."

Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2022): 99/100 "The 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is irch, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of staure that builds, all framd by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. LaGaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate.[...] Magnifique!"

The 2016 vintage in the press:

La Revue du Vin de France (November 2021): 98/100 “A nose of ripe, precise fruit, with very soft spicy notes and discreet oak. Full-bodied and balanced on the palate, with nicely rounded tannic power. A well-balanced wine that will go a long way."

Vinous (N. Martin - January 2020): 93/100 "The 2016 La Gaffelière has a more savory, perchance more Cabernet Franc-driven bouquet, but one that is well defined, with cedar and sandalwood notes judiciously ticked behind the brambly red fruit. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Fleshy and generous, yet displaying fine backbone and good persistence on the finish. A Saint-Émilion that has finally found its groove."

See the data sheet

The 2015 vintage in the press:

La Revue du Vin de France (November 2021): 94/100 “Beautiful ripeness of fruit, with great spicy power. Full-bodied and ample on the palate, with lots of fat, you can feel the sunny side of the vintage.”

Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2017): 97/100 "The 2015 La Gaffelière is a wine of total finesse. Much less obvious and overt than most Saint-Émilions in this vintage, La Gaffelière makes it case on harmony and grace above all else. Bright, lifted Cabernet Franc-infused aromatics give the 2015 striking freshness and aromatic presence. The flavors are bright and nuanced to the core, with plenty of red cherry, espresso and floral notes. But back to the basics. In 2015 La Gaffelière is a wine that stands out because of its impeccable balance and sense of proportion. i loved it."

See the data sheet

The 2011 vintage in the press:

Vinous (I. D'Agata - July 2014): 90/100 "Deep ruby-red. Perfumed red cherry, raspberry, violet and licorice on the nose. Tangy, rich and deep, with vibrant acidity lifting the red fruit and mineral flavors. Finishies smooth, bright and long. I find this offers a rare combination (for 2011) of generosity of texture and grip."