Grape
70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc
Tasting notes
Château La Gaffelière is a benchmark expression of a 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion, combining depth, precision, and classical elegance. Crafted from a blend of approximately 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it reflects both the richness of the vintage and the estate’s refined, terroir-driven style.
The aromatic profile is layered and expressive, revealing notes of spiced cedar, ripe plum, and blackcurrant, intertwined with hints of graphite and subtle floral lift. On the palate, the wine is polished, deep, and beautifully structured, offering a harmonious balance between concentration and freshness. Ripe, finely integrated tannins provide a velvety texture, leading to a long, savoury finish marked by precision and restraint.
A wine of immediate appeal yet strong ageing potential, showcasing the elegance and pedigree of Saint-Émilion at its highest level.
Expert Ratings
98/100 Robert Parker
95/100 Wine Spectator
94/100 James Suckling
94/100 Decanter
More About The Winery
Perched at the southern edge of the Saint-Émilion limestone plateau, Château La Gaffelière is one of the appellation’s most historic and refined estates, classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé. Owned by the Malet Roquefort family for over three centuries, it embodies both heritage and precision.
The vineyard benefits from a privileged terroir combining limestone plateau, clay slopes, and sandy foothills, allowing for a nuanced expression of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This diversity is key to the estate’s signature balance—power, freshness, and aromatic complexity.
Cabernet Franc plays a central role in the blend, bringing floral lift, structure, and tension, while Merlot provides depth and roundness. The resulting wines are elegant and layered, with notes of black cherry, plum, violet, graphite, and subtle spice.
The style of La Gaffelière is defined by its restraint and precision. Rather than seeking opulence, the wines focus on clarity of fruit, fine tannins, and length, making them approachable in their youth while offering excellent ageing potential.
In recent years, significant work in both vineyard and cellar has further refined the estate’s identity, with a strong emphasis on terroir-driven winemaking and gentle extraction.
Château La Gaffelière stands as a benchmark of modern Saint-Émilion—elegant, structured, and beautifully balanced, where tradition meets a contemporary pursuit of excellence.
