2022 Chateau La Gaffeliere

97 POINTS

James Suckling

This shows crushed stones, chalk, salt and blueberries. Violets. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s firm and crunchy with lovely and precise tannins that are long and focused. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. 10% whole-bunch fermentation. Drink after 2027 and beyond.

97 POINTS

James Suckling

Redcurrants with dark chocolate and hints of fresh herbs like basil and thyme on the nose. Full-bodied with a beautiful center palate and a lovely fine tannin texture. Extremely long. Classy. 35% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 50% merlot, From organically grown grapes. Points: 97-98

96 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

95-97 Barrel sample. A velvety structured wine (with firm tannins underneath), this is solid, concentrated and full of fine blackberry fruits. It is a powerful wine that will age well.

96 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep, dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtly brighter at the rim. Delicate tobacco, a touch of herbal savouriness, clove, black cherry, candied orange zest. Complex, juicy, fine fruitiness, creamy texture, silky tannins, persists well, balanced and equipped with good freshness. A textured food wine with definite ageing potential.

96 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep dark ruby garnet colour with opaque core and purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Subtle hints of nougat and coconut, dark berries, fresh plums, fine noble oak, very inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, fine fruit sweetness, pleasant acidity, silky and persistent, a finesse-rich food wine with a certain ageing potential.

96 POINTS

James Suckling

This is serious. Bold and structured with beautiful fruit, which is crunchy and vibrant. Full body. Lots of complexity and depth with a wide and velvety tannin structure. Excellent length. Lots of blue fruits. Touch of whole cluster. Points: 96-97

96 POINTS

James Suckling

Aromas of ripe redcurrants and hints of caramel and fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows fine tannins under lots of ripe and luscious fruit but is not heavy. The finish is juicy and savory. 35% cabernet franc, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 50% merlot. From organically grown grapes. Attractive already but needs at least three or four years to come around.

96 POINTS

Georgina Hindle - Decanter

A little shy on the nose, straight and streamlined, so pure but with grip and attention-holding tannins, very softly grainy but also fresh and mineral giving licks of flint, graphite and mint. Calm and well controlled, nothing too out of place but clearly concentrated and intense with density. Focussed with drive and persistence, mouthwatering strawberry and cherry, with really chalky, crushed stone edges putting you on limestone in St-Emilion. The place speaks in the wine and it has good depth and drive. On the slightly more high toned, muscular, overt edge, needs to soften slightly, but this has detail and precision and exceptional juiciness which is so appealing. Punchy, forward, intense - a gorgeous wine in the making. 3.4pH. 3.55g/l total acidity. HVE3 certified. A yield of 40hl/ha. Ageing 13-15 months, 60% in new barrels. Harvest 7 September - 26 September. Derenoncourt consultants.