Château La Gaffelière 2014

A fine Saint-Emilion wine, aromatic and refined

The producer

Located to the south of the village of Saint-Émilion, Château La Gaffelière, Premier Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion, boasts ancient origins. The discovery of mosaics during excavations confirmed the presence of vines on the estate as early as the Gallo-Roman era. Owned by the Malet Roquefort family for more than three centuries and located in the "golden triangle" between the hills of Châteaux Pavie and Ausone, Château La Gaffelière embodies the excellence of fine red Saint-Émilion wines.

The vineyard

Château La Gaffelière’s vineyard covers 38 hectares, 22 of which are Premier Grand Cru Classé. The vineyard is planted in 3 different areas. The famous Saint-Émilion asteriated limestone, the clayey Molasse outcrops of the Fronsadais and the deep, carbonate rich sands. The vineyard of Château La Gaffelière is managed in a sustainable manner, emphasising the most gentle practices and interventions.

The vintage

The good weather conditions during spring favoured an even start to the growing cycle, promising a good harvest. Unfortunately, the numerous rainy periods between the end of June and the end of August lengthened the veraison period. Following a dull summer, the ideal weather conditions during the month of September cancelled out the delayed ripeness and restored the vineyard’s health condition.

The vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are sorted on the vine and then optically. Carried out in the vat room which was renovated in 2013, the vinification of Château La Gaffelière 2014 is "made to measure", allowing the batches from each plot to be managed in a very precise manner.

The vinification is carried out in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks filled using gravity flow. Alcoholic fermentation is accompanied by regular pumping over and punching down. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks (75%) and barrels (25%).

The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (50% of which are new).

The blend

Château La Gaffelière 2014 comprises a blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%).

The tasting

Colour

Brilliant, the purple-red colour with lovely purple highlights reflects the optimal concentration and moderate extraction of the grapes.

Nose

The nose is complex and gradually blends fragrances of peony, iris, wild blackberries, liquorice and wild strawberries with the roasted aromas from the beginning of the ageing period.

Palate

Balanced and long, the palate reveals elegantly fresh, smooth and refined tannins.