Chateau La Gaffeliere Saint Emilion Grand Cru (Premier Grand Cru Classe) 2015

Situated south of Saint-Emilion with its unique silhouette, Chateau la Gaffeliere evokes a great wine, a 1st Great Growth since the beginning of St Emilion’s classification in 1959. The vine has been present on the lands of Château La Gaffelière since Gallo-Roman times, as demonstrated by the numerous mosaics discovered by Comte Léo de Malet Roquefort in 1969. A strange coincidence: Ausonius had a vineyard in the same spot (4th century). The Malet Roquefort family is convinced that these mosaics decorated the rooms of his villa. The quality of these decorative elements confirms the richness of this place, called “le Palat” (Palatium = Palace).

The wine comes from an exceptional terroir, a “golden triangle” nested between the hills of Pavie and Ausone.

The family de Malet Roquefort has run the estate with passion for more than 3 centuries, with a single purpose: upgrading the vineyards whilst producing an amazing ageing wine.

Currently, the estate extends to over 32 ha including 22ha in 1st Grand Cru Classé and the vineyard is composed by 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc.

The plots are located on 3 different areas :

The asteriated limestone plateau : clay layers and green marls 3 to 5 meters thick jammed between two limestone bedrocks. The plateau rises 90m above sea level.

From the 16°C, limestone was extracted on a large scale ; the stones were used to build the Bordeaux monuments and mansions.

The hill side, south and south-west facing : it is a favourable position for vine growing because it combines a nice exposure for ripeness and a slope for a natural water drainage. Furthermore, the Fronsac molasse (clay subsoil) helps to regulate the water input and the mineral feeding of the plant.

The foot of the hillside : made of deep carbonates sands. This soil is fragile but healthy. It requires special care and a precise work to bring out the finesse of the grape.

The 2015 vintage has a very dark red violet color; appealing, lifted, tart black currant, plum nose; silky textured, tart berry, black currant palate. Medium-plus finish.

The vineyard is planted on clay-limestone, clay-sand at the foot of the slope. Grapes are hand-harvested into small crates to avoid bruising. Sorting before and after destemming. No crushing. The grapes arrive on a conveyor belt. Vinified in wooden vats for 30 days. Extraction by pneumatic pigeage (punching down the cap). Aged in new oak barrels (55%) on the lees for 17 months. No fining is done.

"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 its 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. Tasted two times. (AG)"

Vinous

Awards:

97/100 Wine Enthusiast

97/100 Vinous

96/100 Wilfred Wong (Wine.com)

95/100 Wine Spectator

94/100 Decanter

94/100 James Suckling

94/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

93/100 Jeb Dunnuck