Clos La Gaffelière 2024

Astonishingly deep color; radiant bouquet, lots of fruit, dark and red berries, dark chocolate, peppery spice; elegant on the palate, incredibly fine-boned, with grippy tannins, crunchy fruit, no slack moments at all, juicy, red-fruited and remarkably fresh. A superb success this year.

Fragrant blackcurrants and plum on the nose. Clean, juicy and so lifted, this has great purity and focus from the start, with a sense of brightness and tang that gives it a happy, joyous aspect before salty tannins and saline notes come through. Finessed and sophisticated with uber charm. A totally delicious and easy-drinking wine. Great energy, sapidity and freshness. Delicate but just so drinkable.

Flowers, and plums define the wine in the perfume, and on the medium-bodied palate, finishing with light, bright fresh, black cherries, licorice, and a touch of cocoa in the mid palate, and in the mineral-tinted finish. The wine blends 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc. Since 2014, Clos La Gaffeliere has been a unique wine from a parcel selection and not the second wine of La Gaffeliere. Drink from 2027-2037. 89-91 Pts

A little reserved, the bouquet nonetheless suggests very fine, deep, juicy fruit with lovely intensity. Still restrained, the palate is struggling to reveal its personality for now, even though the fruit returns, stretching along a lively acidic backbone. A granular texture brings density on the finish.

Smoky oak impact on the opening, dense fruit to accompany, with lilac and iris, chalky palma violets, good quality and texture, cloves and cassis. Austerity comes in pretty strongly through the mid palate, this is one to look out for after ageing, and is a potential upscore in bottle. Third vintage since they stepped back from the classification. Harvest 25 September to 7 October. 50% new oak. Tasted twice.

A deep, dark red with purplish highlights. Very aromatic nose, with ripe yet fresh fruit. The palate is all velvety, melting softness, with a medium body and moderate length. Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 14.3% – pH: 3.36. Yield: 40 hl/ha.