Chateau La Gaffeliere Saint-Emilion 2018
Country
France
bottle size
750 ml
Wine Type
Red Wine
Wine Region
Bordeaux, Bordeaux - St. Emilion
Grape Variety
Blended
vintage
2018 [**VINTAGE MAY CHANGE]
characteristics
Body
Medium
Medium
Medium
Acidity
Medium
Medium
Medium
Tannin
Medium
Medium
Medium
2018 [**VINTAGE MAY CHANGE]
Product Description
The winter was very wet, so it was difficult to get into the vineyard before the beginning of April. Bud burst occurred in early April. We escaped two hailstorms at the end of May. Flowering was accompanied by heavy rainfall but fortunately fruit set was not much affected. Storms in June and July accentuated the pressure from mildew until véraison, which occurred at the end of July for the Merlot and during August for the Cabernet Franc.
Early August saw a heatwave, with temperatures approaching 40°C, causing some blockage at the end of véraison. We had to do some thinning on the Cabernet Franc for ripening purposes, by cutting out bunches showing delayed véraison. The whites were picked on 30/08 to maintain a certain acidity. The high temperatures and the mild weather allowed for harvesting in good conditions. Cool nights and warm days favoured finesse in the tannins.
wine score
97 points Wine Enthusiast
This estate is on a roll. Replete with powerful tannins and dense black fruits, this latest release continues the succession of fine vintages. Perfumed, ripe with berry flavors and, more importantly, with rich tannins, the wine will age impressively. Drink from 2027. Cellar Selection
97 points Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Gaffeliere is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to offer peeks at notions of stewed red and black plums, mulberries and Morello cherries, plus hints of damp earth, tar and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, delivering crunchy red and black fruits with an approachable texture of fine-grained tannin's and loads of freshness, finishing long with a lifted perfume. This is a refreshing, beautifully perfumed and skillfully crafted expression of the vintage. Give it 4-5 years in bottle and then enjoy it over the next 20 years+.
97 points Wine Spectator
Features a beautiful beam of cassis, bitter cherry and raspberry fruit streaming through, laced with chalky minerality and backed by floral and spice accents, all allied to a polished, luxurious feel that doesn't sacrifice definition or drive.
95 points James Suckling
Aromas of black cherries, flowers and cedar with sandalwood and stone. It’s full-bodied and very intense with wonderfully polished tannins that caress your palate and take you away. Give this time to come together. Try after 2025.
Profile
Grape Blended
58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc
Palate
edium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, delivering crunchy red and black fruits with an approachable texture of fine-grained tannin's and loads of freshness, finishing long with a lifted perfume.
Colour
Intense ruby red.
Aroma
Stewed red and black plums, mulberries and Morello cherries, plus hints of damp earth, tar and bouquet garni.
Palate
edium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, delivering crunchy red and black fruits with an approachable texture of fine-grained tannin's and loads of freshness, finishing long with a lifted perfume.
Wine Pairing
:Beef
:Lamb
Brand
