Chateau la Gaffelière 2012

Vintage 2012
Distinguished by its elegant balance between fruit and structure. The nose reveals aromas of ripe dark fruits, tobacco, and cocoa, with subtle hints of forest floor. On the palate, it is harmonious, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish, showing nuances of leather and soft spices.

Vineyard
Area : 22 hectares
Soil : limestone plateau, clay-limestone slopes, more siliceous soils at the foot of the slope

Aging
16 months in barrels, 50% new (French oak)

Blend
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

Serving
Ideal temperature : 16–18 °C
Open the bottle 30–45 minutes before serving to allow the wine to fully reveal itself.

Storage
Can be enjoyed now, with softened tannins and evolved aromas.
Can also be stored in the cellar for 5–10 years to reach a more developed maturity.

Wine Advocate (Robert M. Parker, Jr.) – 91+/100
April 2015
"Very elegant notes of kirsch liqueur combined with licorice, spices, and earth jump from the glass of this renowned Saint-Émilion, long owned by the Malet Roquefort family. It shows slightly higher acidity and structure than some Saint-Émilions. The limestone-dominated terroir translates into striking and powerful minerality. Medium-bodied, elegant."

Decanter (Jane Anson) – 93/100
June 2019
"You can feel the added depth in the wine compared to the previous few years. This wine also displays generous fruit, with rich aromas of raspberry and blueberry, complemented by lovely freshness on the finish. A classic Saint-Émilion, hedonistic yet well-balanced."

James Suckling – 92/100
February 2015
"Crazy aromas of red licorice, dark fruits, and nuts. Full-bodied, chewy tannins, and a juicy finish. Rich and structured."