2010 Saint-Émilion, Château La Gaffelière
About Producer
This estate is owned by the Malet Roquefort family since 1705. Its name refers to a hospital for lepers that existed between the 11th and 15th century, by the roadside below the village of Saint-Emilion. Lepers were then called ‘gaffets’ after the stick (‘gaffe’ in French) they used to walk, hence the name ‘La Gaffelière’ given to this place. Granted Premier Grand Cru Classé B status since the beginning of St Emilion’s classification in 1959, the 22 ha vineyard sits on limestone, clay and green marl soils. After a chequered record in the ‘70s and ‘80s, La Gaffelière has turned the corner towards higher quality since 2004 thanks to its collaboration with consultant oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt.
Varietals
80% merlot, 20% cabernet franc
About Appellation
Saint-Émilion and its vineyards that cover 5,331ha of vines were listed in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Archeological evidence suggests that vines were planted here in Roman times. From a geological angle, the appellation can be divided in three sections. Close to the town, the limestone plateau sits on chalky and clayey siliceous soils. The northwest corner, that continues westwards into Pomerol, has a sandy layer on top of clay-like soils. Totalling 1,171ha, these two first sections are home to the finest estates of the appellation. The third section is the area south of the limestone plateau towards the Dordogne river that lies on sandy soils with alluvial gravel deposits. Across the appellation, merlot reigns supreme with cabernet franc playing a supporting role.
Tasting Notes
Enthralling nose of red and black fruits, wood spices, graphite, crushed rocks and forest floor, smooth mouthfeel with silky texture, bold structure and remarkable precision, multilayered flavours of black currant, blackberry, raspberry, kirsch, ripe plum, truffle and hints of baking spices supported by a firm mineral spine, well-knit acidity and fine-grained tannins carrying through a long, suave finish. Bearing testimony to the great strides made by this estate over the last 15 years, this is a delightful wine with composed elegance, excellent purity of fruit and understated complexity. As expected from the rich 2010 vintage, it has weight and power, yet there is a stunning blend of finesse and freshness throughout the palate that makes it utterly beautiful to drink now. At the very beginning of its drinking window, it will certainly be even better in a few years time. (04/2024)