La Gaffeliere St. Emilion, 2016, 750ML

Feature

Tasting Note

Wine Advocate 95+, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

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. Drink Date 2021 - 2045.

James Suckling 96

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 93, Neal Martin

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. 2023 - 2040

Winemaking

Vintage:

At the end of spring 2016, Bordeaux had already experienced as much rain as in a typical year, raising doubts about the vintage's quality. However, a favorable weather window during flowering in late May aided fertilization.

As is common in mild, wet vintages, there was significant pressure from parasites, complicating spraying and access to waterlogged vineyards.

The summer was hot but dry, with only 5 mm of rain recorded at Gaffelière between July and August. The clay soil promoted deep rooting, and the team's efforts maintained balance, allowing for a successful harvest despite the challenges.

In September, two storms advanced ripening, followed by an Indian summer of cool nights and warm days that favored the slow refinement of tannins. The vineyard remained healthy, enabling optimal picking dates across the nine days of Merlot harvest, which were spread over three weeks at Gaffelière.

Winery

A distinguished wine rooted in St. Emilion, our family embraces a vintner's signature that balances tradition and modernity. Our respect for the terroir reflects our origins, born from this unique vineyard on the southern hillside.

The blend from the slope and foot of the hillside creates a powerful, racy, and silky nectar, embodying harmony in each vintage. We take pride in sharing our wine, showcasing its finesse and elegance—an artistry passed down through generations.

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