Chateau La Gaffeliere Saint Emilion Grand Cru (Premier Grand Cru Classe) 2017

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.

Medium to deep garnet-purple coloured, featuring a deliciously ripe and inviting core of plum, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavours, backed by anise and apple wood notes. Medium to full-bodied, fantastic density with firm frame of finely grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with lingering layers of bright, energetic fruit.

"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! (LPB)"

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Awards:

97/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

97/100 Vinous

96/100 Wine Enthusiast

93/100 Decanter

93/100 James Suckling

93/100 Wine Spectator