Château La Gaffelière - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011 b5952cb1c3ab96cb3c8c63cfb3dccaca

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe7/26/2017

An attractive wine with blackberry, black truffle and orange peel character. Medium body, firm tannins. Juicy finish. Drink now.

Decanter Magazine

15,75 / 20

the12/31/2014

Fine blackcurrant Merlot fruit on the nose, with a broad and open palate that finishes bright and juicy, but with mounting, slightly tough tannins. Drink 2015-2020. (85+/100 points)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

90 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe8/31/2014

Deep ruby-red.  Perfumed red cherry, raspberry, violet and licorice on the nose.  Tangy, rich and deep, with vibrant acidity lifting the red fruit and mineral flavors.  Finishes smooth, bright and long.  I find this offers a rare combination (for 2011) of generosity of texture and grip.  "We plan to increase the percentage of cabernet franc we use here," said winemaker Stephane Derenoncourt.  Currently, the wine is 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.            

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/19/2014

A wine with loads of tannins and power. Full body, fresh and clean with a dark-chocolate and berry character. Old style. Serious. Try in 2019.      

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/11/2014

Rather ripe, flashy style, with a slightly gushy feel to the blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors, which are mashed together. Lots of perfumy mocha on the finish. A little more sizzle than steak in the end though.

La Revue du Vin de France

16-16,5 / 20

the5/31/2012

Il déploie une très belle allonge grâce à de subtils cabernets frans (20%) qui pinotent. Assemblage de 60% de côte et 40% de pied de côte. 20% de saignées. Franche montée en puissance d'un vignoble en pleine restructuration et mieux sélectionné à la vendange.

Le Point

16,5 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/17/2012

Boisé blond (pas toasté) qui souligne le fruit, bouche vive, bien fruitée, tanins friands, finesse, tension, fraîcheur une certaine électricité en finale qui prolonge la sensation fruitée. O= 2018 G= 15 ans

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

87-89 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012

Opaque, glass-staining ruby. Oak notes and green bell pepper currently dominate aromas of black fruits and flowers. Then fairly big and rich in the mouth, with peppery black fruit flavors leading to mounting tannins at the back. Not the most charming 2011, but I think it has enough underlying fruit to develop more flesh and sweetness with some cellaring.

Decanter.com

17 / 20

the4/30/2012

Fresh and elegant, as is the style. Less opulence than 2009 and 2010 but attractive fruit and plenty of charm and finesse. Chalky terroir evident. Drink 2020-2035.

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012

One of the oldest family-owned vineyards in St.-Emilion, La Gaffeliere has been owned by the same family since the 1400s. The 2011 performed slightly differently in multiple tastings, but overall, it appears to be an outstanding, elegant, restrained, somewhat austere, but impressively built wine. The final blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc produced nearly 5,000 cases from their 42+ acre vineyard. The wine exhibits lots of earthy, balsam, resiny notes interwoven with red and black currants, cedar and underbrush. This elegant, dense, medium to full-bodied St.-Emilion should drink nicely for 15-20 years.

TAST

16-17 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012

Fruité, souple, élégant mais d'une dimension assez modeste en attaque. Il y a de la finesse, du charme et une finale qui reprend du poil de la bête: c'est un vin délicat qui dévoile peu à peu son potentiel.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2012

2018-2040

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-93 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2012

From 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol. Stone, coffee, black cherry and earthy scents are found in the perfume, while round tannins and a ripe, sweet and long cherry personality are the hallmarks of this wine. 90-93 Pts

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012

This has a plush, rather oaky bouquet with cassis and blueberry fruit. It is pure but there is not much depth and complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with a very smooth entry, almost chocolaty in texture but the tannins seem a little dry and mealy towards the worked finish. Tasted April 2012

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/24/2012

Drink 2017-2026 Intense, dark cherry crimson, ripe cherry aromas, intense but not very fragrant. Notes of violets and oak char. Lots of sweet oak on the palate, toasty. Smooth, sweet, rich. (JH)

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012

Rather ripe, flashy style, with a slightly gushy feel to the blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors, which are mashed together. Lots of perfumy mocha on the finish. A little more sizzle than steak in the end though.—J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

91-93 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/6/2012

Lean and austere on the surface, this wine shows a bitter chocolate edge. It feels extracted, very dark and concentrated. —R.V.

Jamessuckling.com

91-92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/1/2012

This is well done with a lovely center palate of blueberries, chocolate, and orange peel. Full and round with polished tannins.