Château La Gaffelière 2024

Astonishingly dense color; radiant bouquet with plenty of fruit, dark and red berries, dark chocolate, peppery spice; elegant on the palate, remarkably fine-grained, with gripping tannins, crisp fruit, no dips, juicy, red-fruited and incredibly fresh. Outstandingly successful this year.

Fragrant blackcurrant and plum notes on the nose. Clean, juicy and so lifted, this has great purity and focus from the start but also a sense of brightness and tang that gives it a happy, joyful character 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, oceanic and marine influences, black cherries, plums, cocoa, espresso, and licorice fill the nose with their perfume. On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, fruity, and juicy, with its salty-edged, plummy profile. Elegant and lively, it can be enjoyed after just a few years of aging. The wine blends 60% Merlot with 40% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% ABV. Harvesting took place September 24 - October 8. Drink from 2028-2042. 92-94 points

Slightly reserved, the bouquet nonetheless suggests a very lovely, deep, juicy fruit with impressive intensity. Restrained overall, the substance still struggles to reveal its personality, even though the fruit lingers along a tangy framework. The grainy texture adds density on the finish.