Gaffelière - Saint-Emilion 2015

Wine Advocate

93

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

The 2015 La Gaffeliere, so impressive from barrel, here has an elegant bouquet with pure red currants, wild strawberry and black truffle scents that gain intensity with aeration but never slip into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, focused and tensile with impressive mineralité toward the finish. This is an intellectual Saint-Émilion that will have more to give with five to six years on the clock. Anticipated maturity: 2022 - 2045. 

Vinous

97

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

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.

Wine Advocate

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 La Gaffeliere has a slightly reticent, broody nose of black truffles, fertile loam and mossy bark over a core of warm plums, crushed black berries and black cherries plus a touch of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied with firm and very finely grained tannins with layers of softly spoken fruit and great freshness, it finishes long.

Wine Spectator

95

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

Enticing warm plum, fig and blackberry compote notes roll through, inlaid with singed alder and tobacco accents. There's a light tug of warm cast iron and another wave of fruit after that, all supported by well-buried chalky minerality. This is a very strong showing and has put on some weight since the barrel tasting. Best from 2020 through 2040. 6,665 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

Impressive deep-set dark cherries, blueberries and dark plums here with neatly fitted spicy oak, which adds immediate complexity. Deep, long and fresh with vibrant acidity, underpinning ripe blackberries, plums and hints of chocolate. Superb wine. Try from 2022.

Wine Spectator

95

byJames Molesworththe1/10/2018

Enticing warm plum, fig and blackberry compote notes roll through, inlaid with singed alder and tobacco accents. There’s a light tug of warm cast iron and another wave of fruit after that, all supported by well-buried chalky minerality. This is a very strong showing and has put on some weight since the barrel tasting. Best from 2020 through 2040

Jeb DUNNUCK

93

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe11/8/2017

Mid to deep crimson. Subtle and dark-fruited on the nose, oak and fruit spice. Fine, chalky tannins and notable freshness. Supple and long.

Jamessuckling.com

94-95

byJames Sucklingthe7/26/2017

A silky and pretty wine with plum and berry aromas and flavors. Full body, refined and silky. Super refined tannins. Goes on for minutes.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Softly-textured, with polished, tannins and a spicy core of dark red fruits, flowers, licorice, earth, juicy, fresh plums and minerality.

Wine Advocate

92-94

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

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?

Decanter.com

94

byJames Lawther MWthe4/28/2016

Cool elegance from St-Emilion. Refined, fragrant nose with lovely purity of fruit. The palate is fresh and finely etched. Shows balance and harmony. 2023-2040

Vinous

94-97

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

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 winmakers. Tasted two times.

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe4/26/2016

A Stéphane Derenoncourt wine. Meaty nose. Sweet and a tiny bit blowsy. A bit dry on the end. Pretty dramatic. If you seek impact, head for this hedonistic wine. I may have underscored it. Drink 2024-2036

timatkin.com

93

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jean-Marc QUARIN

17

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/14/2016

Ma meilleure note donnée à ce cru en primeur. Superbe vin au style unique à Saint-Emilion. Ici domine la douceur. Depuis 2012, le rapport entre ce toucher rare et cotonneux et un fond plus puissant n'a jamais été aussi harmonieux. Cette année, 10 % de plus de cabernet franc qu'en 2014 étoffent magnifiquement le vin. Couleur intense et belle. Nez aromatique, au fruité pur, mûr et noble. Très belle entrée en bouche moelleuse, puis le vin se développe particulièrement fruité, suave et dense au milieu. Il évolue puissant vers une très belle longueur nuancée. Assemblage : 70 % merlot et 30 % cabernet franc. Alcool : 14,8° - pH : 3,65. Sélection : 70 % de premier vin. L'élevage pourrait le magnifier. Bravo !

Jamessuckling.com

94-95

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

A silky and pretty wine with plum and berry aromas and flavors. Full body, refined and silky. Super refined tannins. Goes on for minutes.

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

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.—J.M.