Château La Gaffeliere 1. Grand Cru classé B St. Emilion 2012

Flaschenbewertung (Mai 2015):
"Very elegant kirsch liqueur-like notes mixed with licorice, spice and earth jump from the glass of this famous St.-Emilion, long-owned by the Malet Roquefort family. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (14% alcohol), this has slightly more acidity and structure than some St.-Emilions. The limestone-dominated terroir comes through in the wine´s striking and very powerful minerality. It is medium-bodied, elegant, tightly knit and probably in need of 2-4 years of bottle age. It should drink well for the following 15 years."
91+/100 Punkte - Trinkreife: 2017 - 2032


Lots of sweet Christmas fruitcake notes intermixed with black cherry, black currant, licorice and incense jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Medium to full-bodied with surprisingly soft, round tannins and a beautiful mid-palate, the 2012 does not deviate much from the estate’s elegant, racy style. This beauty can be drunk early or aged for 15 or more years. This is an impressive offering from proprietor Count Leo Malet De Roquefort (whose family dates back to the 1400s). The 2012 La Gaffeliere achieved 14% natural alcohol, which, while relatively high for a 2012, is not up to the remarkable levels achieved in 2010 or 2009. The harvest occurred between October 4 and 16, and the final blend was 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
91-93/100 Punkte

Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Tiefes Bouquet, schöne Frucht, im blaubeerigen Bereich, dahinter Brazil-Tabaknoten, wirkt aber recht zugänglich, was sonst bei der Primeurprobe selten der Fall ist. Und auch im Gaumen überrascht dieser La Gaffelière, er lässt zwar wie immer die Muskeln etwas spielen doch auch hier ist alles etwas feiner als früher. Auch wenn es vielleicht ein paar masochistische Weinfreaks gibt - aber ich traure den alten Gaffelière-Zeiten ganz und gar nicht nach.
17/20 Punkte - Trinken: 2018 - 2034

Slightly snappy, with savory, cherry pit and pomegranate notes leading to a relatively quick, angular feel on the finish. —J.M.
85-88/100 Punkte

A wine with pretty cherry and plum character with hints of flowers. Medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine tannins.
88-89/100 Punkte