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 tannins 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+.

La Gaffelière have really started to build a head of steam with its latest release, and it's certainly an estate to follow. Confirming my thoughts at the En Primeur tastings, this is a powerful wine with a rich creaminess through the mid-palate. There's no question about its ageing ability, and the blend gets the mix right between the saline lick of limestone and the brambled exuberance of St-Emilion fruit. A delicious, complex yet pared-back wine with layers of tannin that cradle rather than crush. - www.decanter.com, Jane Anson, April 2019

The blue-fruit and sea-salt character is fascinating in this. Full-bodied yet tight and very focused. It really lasts for minutes on the palate. Forceful but full of finesse as well. - April 2019

The 2018 La Gaffelière is once again one of the finest and most pedigreed wines in Saint-Émilion and all of Bordeaux for that matter. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc (37%) gives the wine striking aromatic nuance and complexity, as well as fabulous drive. Rose petal, sage, mint and blood orange all soar out of the glass in a stunning Saint-Émilion loaded with class and personality. Consulting winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt has turned out another gem at this revitalized property. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, May 2019

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Gaffeliere reveals classically sophisticated scents of ripe black plums, warm blackberries and cigar box with touches of star anise, dried Provence herbs, chocolate mint and truffles. Full-bodied, it has a solid backbone of ripe, rounded tannins and lovely freshness lifting the densely layered fruit to a long finish.
- Lisa Perrotti-Brown, April 2019, The Wine Advocate

The grand vin of the estate, the 2018 Château La Gaffelière is a brilliant wine offering pure crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as fabulous minerality. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and elegant on the palate, it’s not a blockbuster but shines for its purity, balance, and just gorgeous texture. It will drink well with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. - jebdunnuck.com, May 2019

Diam 30 closure. Tasted blind. Interesting wine. Distinctive nose of blueberries. Round and energetic with real drive. Long. Not like the rest in this flight. (JR)

63% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby with dried cherries and sweet vanilla on the nose. Plush and full on the palate. Very sweet and succulent. Modern and warming on the finish. (TP)