Clos La Gaffelière 2023

Immensely floral, fresh in expression, cool stone, seductive; a slender opening, very vertical, finest tannins, outstanding acidity; the wine shows breed and polish, finishing long and persistent with red-fruit notes. Once again it impresses with elegance rather than power.

A deep nose, floral, so perfumed, lots of ripe black bramble fruit. Concentrated and so full, there’s density on the palate, there’s so much ripe red fruit that fills the mouth with a soft grip to the tannins that support the fruit but doesn't overwhelm. This feels instantly classy, layered and complex with a gentle confidence. It’s round and slightly fleshy, although feels sculpted and muscular with volume, a lovely juiciness and a touch of dark chocolate, cedar and liquorice on the finish. Sophisticated.

Black plums, flowers, cherries, and fennel fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is luscious, elegant, polished, fresh, sweet, and lifted, with lingering cherries and plums on the backend in the salted-chocolatey finish. Drink from 2028-2050. 94-96 Pts.

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections. Fine black-berry confit, nuances of ripe cherries, gentle hints of candied violets, inviting, multi-faceted bouquet. Juicy, fresh red fruit, fine, integrated tannins, lively, mineral, a stimulating food wine, with some ageing potential.

Score: 94–96. The bouquet beckons you into a rural utopia, with irresistible aromas of blue fruits, musk rose, and wildflowers, opulent and fully blossomed. From the very first sniff, your body loosens completely. Like a lover who gently approaches, flatters, and to whom you surrender body and soul, the wine caresses the mouth, tickling the palate. Chewy texture and finely judged, small tannins on a saline finish: pure pleasure!

The nose is elegant, beautifully fresh and intense, offering fine concentration and precision. It reveals notes of fresh boysenberry, violet and, more subtly, fleshy cherry, alongside touches of plump/juicy blackcurrant, as well as delicate hints of infusion, lily and fresh pepper, plus subtle accents of fresh toast. The palate is fruity and delivers juiciness, minerality, a tangy acidic backbone, freshness, fine tension, precision and a lovely definition—elegant throughout, with a real sense of detail and an appealing juicy character. It shows notes of juicy/fleshy blackberry, juicy/plump cherry and, more lightly, small berries that are almost roasted yet juicy, combined with a touch of bright red berries, juicy/pulpy blackcurrant, as well as hints of infusion and toast, and a discreet touch of tonka bean, fresh coffee and toasted almond. Subtle chewiness, good length and tension. Precision and softness.

Love the bright fruit here, bright, zesty, real orange peel and tar, heavy spice but plenty of love. 45hl/ha, harvest September 7 to 29. 50% new oak, rest in stainless steel.

94-96. Barrel Sample. A ripe and juicy wine with fine freshness and acidity. The fruitiness contrasts with the firm structure in the background giving this elegantly textured wine plenty of potential.

A silky, refined, understated beauty, offering a core of black tea–steeped cherry and boysenberry notes, while subtle details of wood spice, dried anise and violet fill in through the steady-flowing finish. Offers a late whiff of chalky minerality. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2040. 8,000 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Dark, intense colour with bright highlights. A very aromatic nose, fruity and subtle. Precise on the attack, aromatic through the mid-palate, with a lovely texture and plenty of flavour; the wine melts into a savoury, fragrant finish. Very good.