The 2021 La Gaffelière is a wine of extraordinary finesse and class. Time in the glass brings out striking depth and complexity. The aromatics alone are beguiling but everything about the 2021 speaks to elegance. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, blood orange, mint and saline notes punctuate the finish.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022

The 2021 La Gaffeliere is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling and coaxing to unleash vivacious scents of wild blueberries, black raspberries, and black cherries, followed by hints of licorice, crushed rocks, wood smoke, and tapenade, with a waft of red roses. Medium-bodied, the palate is beautifully knit with lots of black fruit, floral and savory layers, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic tension, finishing long and mineral-laced.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, May 2022

The 2021 La Gaffelière was picked September 22 to October 15, and matured in 60% French new oak. There is a healthy 42% Cabernet Franc here. The nose is quite open with black cherry, blueberry and touches of violet and peony; the oak is nicely integrated. In the mouth, this is medium-bodied with fine delineation, good focus and real midpalate weight. Conveying good intensity and vibrancy, this continues a strong run for this Saint-Émilion estate. Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2022

A very precise and curated wine with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium body. Dark berry and dark chocolate flavors and a creamy finish. Classy.
James Suckling, May 2022

Very attractive limestone character, savoury Cabernet Franc aromas, ripe plum and black cherry. Very fresh palate with juicy citrus cutting through plum and black cherry flavours. Powdery tannins bringing excellent freshness and power, focus and precision. Fine white stone mineral finish.
April 2022

The 2021 La Gaffelière is quite rich and generous by the standards of the vintage, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries and raspberries mingled with licorice, pencil shavings and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it has good depth at the core, lively acids and a sapid finish.

A notable success in this vintage, the 2021 La Gaffelière offers up aromas of sweet cherries and berries mingled with notions of licorice, loamy soil and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and enveloping, it's supple and charming, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins, concluding with impressive persistence. Tasted four times, twice at the château.
William Kelley, April 2022

Cask sample. Bright crimson hue. Elegant demeanour with perfumed, red-berry fruit aromas and layered fruit on the palate. Tannins present but finely honed. Long, persistent finish. Matière and potential. (JL)
Drink 2028 – 2042
Jancisrobinson.com, May 2022

58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc. Mid-deep ruby. Slick red fruit, a touch of bramble and savoury spice on the nose. Plump on the palate, glossy in fruit yet balanced by notes of rosemary and thyme. The tannins are on the firm side, coating the fruit in a sandy texture. Yet the stuffing seems to match the fruit. Earthy. Should get there. (TP)