Gaffelière - Saint-Emilion 2016

Jamessuckling.com

97

byJames Sucklingthe2/6/2026

Cherries, mushrooms and earth on the nose. The palate is vibrant and medium- to full-bodied, with elegant and ethereal dark fruit framed by focused tannins and a precise finish. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc. This is still youthful but starting to mellow. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe8/13/2020

The 2016 La Gaffelière has a more savory, perchance more Cabernet Franc–driven bouquet, but one that is well defined, with cedar and sandalwood notes judiciously tucked behind the brambly red fruit. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Fleshy and generous, yet displaying fine backbone and good persistence on the finish. A Saint-Émilion that has finally found its groove. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe2/5/2020

Wine Spectator

94

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

This has a suave, cashmere feel, with waves of blackberry and plum reduction rolling through, infused liberally with dark tobacco and black licorice notes. A black tea accent smolders on the finish, complemented by a faint floral echo. This should age into a charmer. Best from 2022 through 2037. 7,917 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

This is really decadent and rich with great aromas of earth, spice, frost flowers and fresh mushrooms that follow through to a full body, firm and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Very, very serious from here. A blend of 70 per cent merlot and 30 per cent cabernet franc. Try after 2025.

Vinous

96

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 La Gaffelière is superb. Vivid and precise, with layers of nuance, the 2016 is a wine of real clarity. Blood orange, lavender, rose petal and mint add brightness to this stunningly beautiful Saint-Émilion. La Gaffelière is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30 Cabernet Franc, and it is the Franc that gives the wine so much character and complexity. This is just an irresistibly captivating Saint-Émilion. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Simon Blanchard consult.

Wine Spectator

94

byJames Molesworththe1/16/2019

This has a suave, cashmere feel, with waves of blackberry and plum reduction rolling through, infused liberally with dark tobacco and black licorice notes. A black tea accent smolders on the finish, complemented by a faint floral echo. This should age into a charmer. Best from 2022 through 2037.—J.M.

Wine Advocate

95

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/30/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 La Gaffeliere opens with compelling wild blueberries, freshly crushed plums and kirsch scents plus hints of garrigue, underbrush, rose hip tea and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant with a soft, velvety texture and seamless freshness carrying the multilayered fruit to a long finish.

Jamessuckling.com

95-96

byJames Sucklingthe7/26/2017

Dynamically and minerally young wine with blackberry and blueberry character. Full body. Firm tannins and a fresh finish. Shows structure and intensity. Focused and classy. Love the finish.