Chateau La Gaffeliere 2014

A fine Saint-Emilion wine, aromatic and refined

The producer

Located to the south of the village of Saint-Emilion, Chateau La Gaffeliere, Premier Grand Cru Classe de Saint-Emilion, illustrates the estate’s 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 Chateaux Pavie and Ausone, Chateau La Gaffeliere embodies the excellence of fine red Saint-Emilion wines.

The vineyard

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

The vintage

The good weather conditions during spring favored 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 aging

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 Chateau La Gaffeliere 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

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

The tasting

Color

Brilliant, the purple-red color 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 aging period.

Palate

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