2015 La Gaffeliere
Buying options
Tasting Notes
The 2015 La Gaffelière is a brilliant wine. Soaring, intense aromatics make a strong first impression. Precise and beautifully sculpted throughout, the 2015 bristles with energy. The flavors show good brightness, while the tannins are exceptionally polished. Freshly cut flowers, mint, espresso, sweet red plums and anise grace the palate in an utterly exquisite wine built on finesse, precision and nuance. The 2015 La Gaffelière is an exceptional wine by any measure. The 70% Merlot/30% Cabernet Franc works very well. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Simon Blanchard are the consulting winemakers.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
The 2015 La Gaffeliere is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. It offers attractive black cherries, boysenberry and mulberry fruit on the nose. Maybe it would benefit from a little more delineation, but the aromatics are focused and in sync with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. The acidity is pitched nicely here lending ample freshness and poise. Energetic and vivacious, this is one of the best barrel samples that I have tasted from an estate that was revered during the 1960s. Time for a comeback?
A silky and pretty wine with plum and berry aromas and flavors. Full body, refined and silky. Super refined tannins. Goes on for minutes. Mar 2016, www.JamesSuckling.com
A textbook modern St.-Emilion, with a core bursting with ripe plum and raspberry fruit, and a long finish that pumps out licorice and bramble accents. The fruit is matched by the energy. Mar 2016, James Molesworth, www.WineSpectator.com
About the producer
Bordering both Ausone and Pavie, this property has been owned by the De Malet Roquefort line for over 300 years – making them the oldest winegrowing family in Saint-Emilion.