Note: This is a magnum bottle containing 1.5 liters. When we think of the very best Saint-Émilion wines, Château La Gaffeliere is certainly high on our list. This beautiful, classic winery is located on the southern edge of the Saint-Émilion wine region. Since 1959, the winery has been ranked among the world's finest wines and holds the 1st Grand Cru classification, a distinction reserved only for the very best. Today, they have thirty-two hectares of vineyards, twenty-two of which are classified as 1st Grand Cru. Over the years, the winery has invested heavily; there are always new barrels in the cellars, and the vines are in excellent condition. We can truly say that this is one of the most beautiful wineries in Saint-Émilion.
The old vineyard of Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere Magnum
For this third wine from Château La Gaffeliere, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are used, just as they are for the fine wines. The vineyards are situated in an exceptional climate with abundant sunshine and the cool breeze that blows through them from the Gironde River. The terroir is unique, partly due to the vineyards' location in the "Golden Triangle." Nestled between the hills of Pavie and Ausone, the environment is perfect. The Malet Roquefort family, who have owned the winery for over three centuries, are proud of this, and we taste that in this classic Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere wine. The soil structure in which the vines grow contains many layers of clay and green organ, giving this red wine its own unique character. When the harvest is ripe, the bunches are harvested entirely by hand to guarantee the purity of this red wine. Well, they certainly succeeded—pure, honest, and exceptionally pure!
Wood aging for the Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere from Saint Emilion
When the harvest arrives at Château La Gaffelier in small crates, the bunches are gently pressed, the black juice collected, and initially aged in steel vats. This Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere is then aged in oak barrels, creating a full-bodied and powerful Saint-Émilion wine. This is also clearly noticeable in the aroma: springy and beautifully classic aromas of black fruit, spices, vanilla, and a touch of berry and chocolate. On the palate, it's a wine to savor, as this Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere warms the palate. We initially noted impressions of blackberry and berry, along with vanilla and a touch of cedar. On the cheeks, beautifully refined tannins with a good level of fruit. Flavors of vanilla, cedar, and licorice tingle the back of the tongue, bringing balance to the wine. The powerful yet smooth finish offers a beautiful, classic wine feel, perfectly suited to this Saint-Émilion.
2018
