Château La Gaffelière 2023

Immensely floral and fresh in expression, with cool stone minerality, seductive; a slender opening, very vertical, the finest tannins, outstanding acidity; the wine shows pedigree and polish, finishing long and red-fruited. Once again, it captivates 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 don'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.

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

Score: 94–96. The bouquet beckons you into a rural utopia, with irresistible aromas of blue fruits, musk rose, and wildflowers—opulent and blooming. From the very first sniff, your whole body relaxes. Like a lover who approaches gently, flatters you, and to whom you surrender body and soul, the wine caresses the mouth, tickling the palate. Plenty of chew and perfectly judged fine tannins on a saline finish—pure pleasure!

The nose is elegant, nicely fresh and intense, showing fine concentration and precision. It reveals notes of fresh boysenberry, violet and, more lightly, fleshy cherry, alongside touches of plump/juicy blackcurrant, as well as delicate hints of infusion, lily, fresh pepper and subtle nuances of fresh toast. The palate is fruity, offering juiciness and minerality, a tangy acid-driven framework, freshness, fine tension, precision and a lovely definition—elegant, detailed and with an appealing juicy character. It expresses notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, juicy/fleshy cherry and, more lightly, small berries that are almost roasted yet juicy, joined by a touch of bright small berries, juicy/pulpy blackcurrant, as well as hints of infusion and toast, and a discreet note of tonka bean, fresh coffee and toasted almond. Subtle chewiness, good length and tension. Precision and softness.

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. Very aromatic, fruity and subtle on the nose. Precise on the attack, aromatic through the mid-palate, with a lovely texture and flavour; the wine melts into a savoury, fragrant finish. This is very good.