Château La Gaffelière, 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion 2019

Introduction

Château La Gaffelière 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion 2019, represents the pinnacle of winemaking from one of Saint-Émilion’s most esteemed estates. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé B, this wine is a testament to the exceptional terroir of its vineyards, situated on the famed “golden triangle” of Saint-Émilion, combining clay-limestone slopes and sandy-clay foothills. The 2019 vintage, celebrated for its superb quality in Bordeaux, promises an expressive blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, embodying the elegance, power, and longevity for which La Gaffelière is renowned.

Character Description

The Château La Gaffelière 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion 2019 presents a deep, vibrant ruby-purple hue, indicative of its youth and concentration. It offers an intensely aromatic bouquet of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum, intricately woven with notes of violet, graphite, cedar, and subtle hints of licorice and fresh tobacco. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and impeccably balanced texture, with concentrated dark fruit flavors mirroring the nose, complemented by a silky yet firm tannic structure and a refreshing acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, precise, and harmonious, leaving a lingering impression of dark berries, complex spice, and a distinctive mineral freshness. The overall impression is one of aristocratic finesse, profound depth, and the classic, evolving character of a top Saint-Émilion.

Perfect Pairings

This magnificent Saint-Émilion is an exceptional partner for sophisticated and hearty culinary creations. It pairs beautifully with roasted or braised red meats such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder, beef tenderloin with truffle sauce, or venison loin. Its elegance also makes it a superb match for rich poultry dishes like duck confit and flavorful hard cheeses. The wine’s structure and complexity make it an ideal choice for grand occasions, a memorable dinner, or for cellaring to enjoy its evolution over decades. Decanting for at least two hours is highly recommended to fully appreciate its nuances.

About the Winery

Château La Gaffelière boasts a rich and uninterrupted history in Saint-Émilion, with origins dating back to Gallo-Roman times, making it one of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux. Owned by the Malet Roquefort family for over 300 years, the château holds its prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé B status in the Saint-Émilion classification. Their philosophy centers on revealing the unique potential of their diverse terroir through meticulous vineyard management and a blend of traditional expertise with modern precision winemaking. The Château La Gaffelière 1er Grand Cru Classé St-Emilion 2019 is a true representation of their enduring legacy, their deep respect for the land, and their unwavering dedication to crafting wines of exceptional purity, elegance, and age-worthiness that are a benchmark for the appellation.