2018 La Gaffelière, St. Emilion (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1407968
95-97 points
Wine Enthusiast
Fine tannins with a bold structure bond with the succulent fruit. A high proportion of Cabernet Franc perfumes and delicious blackberry fruits sustain its richness. It will age well. (RV)
(4/2019)
94-97 points
Vinous
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. (AG)
(4/2019)
94-97 points
Wine Spectator
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. (JM)
(3/2019)
95-96 points
James Suckling
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.
(4/2019)
94-96 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. (LPB)
(4/2019)
92-94 points
Jeb Dunnuck
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.
(5/2019)
K&L Notes
94-96 points Neal Martin in Vinous: "The 2018 La Gaffelière is a little closed on the nose at present, demands coaxing before revealing scents of blackberry, bilberry and white pepper aromas. There is something...enigmatic about the bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. The oak is beautifully integrated and there is real tension and mineralité on the finish. I must confess that I was not expecting this to be as good as it shows. It is an outstanding La Gaffelière that will age with panache. In over 20 years of tasting this property, this is easily the finest that I have encountered." (11/2019)
