Château La Gaffelière is owned by Léo de Malet Roquefort. Located in the centre of the St. Emilion appellation, due south of St. Emilion town, the property shares a similar climate to that enjoyed by both St.Emilion and Pomerol: more continental than the maritime Médoc, with generally more spring rainfall, though less in summer and winter.

La Gaffeliere’s vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 5%, Merlot 65%, Cabernet Franc 30%) lie on a sloped sandy/clay-limestone topsoil and limestone subsoil (a mix of Côtes and Pieds de Côtes).

La Gaffeliere is classified as a 1er grand cru classé(B). Clos La Gaffeliere is their Second wine. Born in 1985, Clos is produced mainly from the young vines.

Soil – limestone plateau, clay-limestone hillsides, more siliceous at the foot of the slopes.

Vineyard Area: 38 hectares, of which 22 hectares of 1er Grand Cru Classé

Average age of the vines 28 years

Winemaking – The work in the plots of Clos is the equal to the actions in the parcels for the first label : pruning, cover, de-leafing, green harvest, hand-picking. In the cellar, the same technical gestures pace the successive stages of vinification.

Blend – 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Ageing – 12 months in one- and two-year barrels. Three rackings

Licorice, earth and dark, fresh plums, this wine is silky, limber and sweet with freshness and finesse in the finish. It is a “wine for pleasure” with a 10 years ‘potential of ageing. Clos La Gaffelière has now a firm and recognized identity . First, it was exclusively proposed to private customers. Bordeaux negociants start to be interested in the vintage since 2000.

James Suckling: 91-92 points (2016 vintage)

4 Apr, 2017 – Vivid and fruity with hints of blackberry and mineral undertones. Medium to full body, tight palate. Savory and delicious already.