Gaffelière - Saint-Emilion 2017

Wine Advocate

97

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/17/2020

The 2017 La Gaffeliere is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant scents of kirsch, black raspberries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, rosehip tea and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and sophistication, with tons of bright, perfumed fruit and exquisitely ripe tannins, finishing with bags of freshness and energy. Since the lower-lying sections of La Gaffeliere were affected by frost this year, this wine mainly comes from the section up on the Saint-Émilion plateau, near Ausone. Truly impressive! Drinking Window : 2024 - 2054

Vinous

97

byAntonio Gallonithe3/11/2020

The 2017 La Gaffelière possesses off-the-charts aromatic intensity in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Wild rose petals, blood orange and spice give the 2017 striking aromatic intensity. Medium in body, lithe and supremely gracious, the 2017 is one of the real highlights of this challenging vintage. It is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it.

Wine Spectator

93

byJames Molesworththe2/7/2020

Floral and elegant from the start, with lilac and violet notes streaming forth, followed by cassis, cherry puree and raspberry reduction flavors. A lovely snap of anise and a subtle apple wood accent help to frame the finish, which shows good latent energy. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038. 5,833 cases made. — JM

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe1/13/2020

There are some sappy and leafy elements to the nose with a thread of red berries and fresh blueberries. The palate has plush, lithe and juicy appeal with smoothly rendered tannins and juicy, crunchy acidity. Drink or hold.

Le Point

16,5-17

byJacques Dupontthe6/20/2018

Cerise, fruits rouges, bouche douce, élégante, fraîche, tendre, serré en finale, très joli fruit.

Jeb DUNNUCK

90-93

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018

The Grand Vin is the 2017 Château La Gaffelière. It’s a medium-bodied, balanced, downright pretty 2017 that shows the seamless, mid-weight style of the vintage nicely. Black raspberries, violets, and exotic spices all emerge from this purple-colored effort. It’s impeccably balanced, has integrated acidity, and fine tannin, all making it a high-quality wine from the vintage. It should keep for 10-15 years.

Vinifera

94-96

byJacques Perrinthe5/28/2018

Magnifique nez extravagant de fruits mûrs et frais, tanins fantastiquement doux sur l’attaque avec du velouté, de la salinité, de la profondeur, de la longueur, du terroir, c’est très très bon.

Vinous

94-97

byAntonio Gallonithe5/15/2018

The 2017 La Gaffelière is without question one of the wines of the vintage in Saint- Émilion. Bright, precise and wonderfully lifted, the 2017 is all precision. Exquisite aromatics and lively, red-toned fruit infuse this mid-weight, remarkably pure Saint-Émilion. Spice, blood orange and floral notes add the closing layers of nuance. The 2017 really dazzles. Don't miss it.

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93

byJeff Levethe5/11/2018

You'll find the stony nature in the wine before moving to the lush, ripe, dark red fruits, licorice and espresso notes. Full bodied and lush, this is tasty now and it is going to be more tasty with six to eight years of bottle age.

Vinous

90-92

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018

The 2017 La Gaffelière has quite a high toned, floral, crème de cassis and black cherry scented bouquet that feels well defined, although the oak sticks out at the moment and will require several years to be absorbed. The palate is medium-bodied with quite bold tannin, layers of blackberry and black cherry fruit laced with graphite and spices. It feels like a solid La Gaffelière but it needs to manifest more elegance on the finish. However, I appreciate the purity of this Saint-Émilion and its persistence.

Wine Advocate

95-97

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/27/2018

Composed of 40% Cabernet Franc and 60% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Gaffeliere has pronounced cassis, baked plums and blackberry pie notes with suggestions of lavender, baking spices and rose hip tea. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins, an electric intensity of bright black and blue fruits and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.

Decanter.com

91

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2018

WeinWisser

17

byRené Gabrielthe4/25/2018

Jean-Marc QUARIN

17,25

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/17/2018

Wine Enthusiast

94-96

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018

This is a powerful wine, with great power and richness from concentrated fruit and dense tannins. The ripe black fruits are impressive, solid and intense. It will age well for many years; try after 2023.

Jamessuckling.com

94-95

byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018

This very long and powerful yet all in balance and harmony. Full body and layered and chewy tannins. Softness and depth. Excellence for the vintage.

Wine Spectator

89-92

byJames Molesworththe4/4/2018

Offers a solid blast of warm plum and blackberry preserve notes, along with a slightly hefty roasted apple wood frame. Lightly dusty tannins line the finish. The fruit core is solid but needs to push through a bit more. Wait and see.—J.M.