Description
The winter of 2018 was very wet, so it was difficult to get into the vineyard before the beginning of April. Bud burst occurred in early April. We escaped two hailstorms at the end of May. Flowering was accompanied by heavy rainfall but fortunately fruit set was not much affected. Storms in June and July accentuated the pressure from mildew until véraison, which occurred at the end of July for the Merlot and during August for the Cabernet Franc. Early August saw a heatwave, with temperatures approaching 40°C, causing some blockage at the end of véraison. We had to do some thinning on the Cabernet Franc for ripening purposes, by cutting out bunches showing delayed véraison. The whites were picked on 30/08 to maintain a certain acidity. The high temperatures and the mild weather allowed for harvesting in good conditions. Cool nights and warm days favored finesse in the tannins.
Blend: 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc
Critical Acclaim
V99VinousThe 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique!WS97Wine SpectatorFeatures a beautiful beam of cassis, bitter cherry and raspberry fruit streaming through, laced with chalky minerality and backed by floral and spice accents, all allied to a polished, luxurious feel that doesn’t sacrifice definition or drive.
Barrel Sample: 94-97WE97Wine Enthusiast
This estate is on a roll. Replete with powerful tannins and dense black fruits, this latest release continues the succession of fine vintages. Perfumed, ripe with berry flavors and, more importantly, with rich tannins, the wine will age impressively. Drink from 2027. Cellar Selection
RP97Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Gaffeliere is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to offer peeks at notions of stewed red and black plums, mulberries and Morello cherries, plus hints of damp earth, tar and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, delivering crunchy red and black fruits with an approachable texture of fine-grained tannin’s and loads of freshness, finishing long with a lifted perfume. This is a refreshing, beautifully perfumed and skillfully crafted expression of the vintage. Give it 4-5 years in bottle and then enjoy it over the next 20 years+.
D96Decanter
The combination of Cabernet Franc and limestone give this wine both a beautifully floral-laced nose, and a sense of energy and lift as it travels through the palate. Extremely light-footed for a wine at 14.5 ABV%, barely discernible and the black fruits are followed by juice at every step of the way. Good stuff. Drinking Window 2026 – 2045
JS95James Suckling
Aromas of black cherries, flowers and cedar with sandalwood and stone. It’s full-bodied and very intense with wonderfully polished tannins that caress your palate and take you away. Give this time to come together. Try after 2025.
JD93Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château La Gaffelière is another pretty, elegant Saint-Emilion with a classic, mineral-laced style as well as a terrific mix of finesse and richness. Black raspberries, cassis, graphite, white flowers, and chalky minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied, seamless 2018 that offers plenty of concentration, a lively, focused texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to evolve for two decades or more.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.