Château La Gaffelière 2023

Reserved on the nose, with red cherries and wilted roses; an approachable palate with sweet fruit, fine tannins that are not overbearing, well-balanced acidity, medium-bodied, with good length and a red-fruit, delicately spicy finish. Ready to drink now.

A deep nose, floral, so perfumed, lots of ripe black bramble fruit. Concentrated and so full, there’s density on the palate, there’s so much ripe red fruit that fills the mouth with a soft grip to the tannins that support the fruit but don't overwhelm. This feels instantly classy, layered and complex with a gentle confidence. It’s round and slightly fleshy, although feels sculpted and muscular with volume, a lovely juiciness and a touch of dark chocolate, cedar and liquorice on the finish. Sophisticated.

Even better from the bottle than it showed in its barrel tastings, the aromatic profile pops with its floral bouquet of flowers, plums, cherries, cocoa, and licorice. On the palate, the wine is silky, soft, polished, and refined. There is elegance and purity here, with a strong dose of minerality that is apparent in the salted-chocolatey, finish along with its lingering cherries, and plums on the backend. Drink from 2027-2050.

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections. Fine black-berry confit, nuances of ripe cherries, gentle hints of candied violets, inviting, multi-faceted bouquet. Juicy, fresh red fruit, fine, integrated tannins, lively, mineral, a stimulating food wine, with some ageing potential.

Love the bright fruit here—bright, zesty, real orange peel and tar, heavy spice but plenty of love. 45 hl/ha, harvest from September 7 to 29. 50% new oak, the rest in stainless steel.

Score: 94–96. The bouquet beckons you into a rural utopia, with irresistible aromas of blue fruits, musk rose, and wildflowers—opulent and blooming. From the very first sniff, your whole body relaxes. Like a lover who approaches gently, flatters you, and to whom you surrender body and soul, the wine caresses the mouth, tickling the palate. Plenty of chew and perfectly judged fine tannins on a saline finish—pure pleasure!

The nose is elegant, nicely fresh and intense, offering fine concentration and precision. It reveals notes of fresh boysenberry, violet and, more subtly, pulpy cherry, joined by touches of fleshy/juicy blackcurrant, as well as delicate hints of herbal infusion, lily, fresh pepper, and subtle notes of fresh toasty nuances. The palate is fruity, delivering juiciness, minerality, a zesty backbone, freshness, fine tension, precision, lovely definition, overall elegance, attention to detail, and a charmingly juicy character. It shows notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, juicy/fleshy cherry, and, more subtly, almost roasted-juicy small red fruits, with a touch of bright small fruits, juicy/pulpy blackcurrant, along with hints of infusion, toast, and a discreet hint of tonka bean, fresh coffee, and toasted almond. Subtle chew, good length, and tension. Precision and suppleness.

94-96. Barrel Sample. A ripe and juicy wine with fine freshness and acidity. The fruitiness contrasts with the firm structure in the background giving this elegantly textured wine plenty of potential.

A silky, refined, understated beauty, offering a core of black tea–steeped cherry and boysenberry notes, while subtle details of wood spice, dried anise and violet fill in through the steady-flowing finish. Offers a late whiff of chalky minerality. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2040. 8,000 cases made, 200 cases imported.