10 Jun 2022

Château La Gaffelière, along with Cheval Blanc and Angelus, is at the centre of the contention embroiling the St-Emilion Classification, with all three estates declaring they are withdrawing their wines from the forthcoming 2022 reclassification.  Quality at La Gaffelière, a premier grand cru classé (B), has risen rapidly in recent vintages under Alexandre de Malet-Roquefort, whose family have owned the estate since the 17th century.  It seems the St-Emilion Wine Council can't keep up with the changes, basing their analysis on older vintages and, most controversially, employing amateur tasters. 

The whole issue seems likely to serve as a lens crystallising the rise of La Gaffelière and at just £288 per six bottles and with 95-97 points from Galloni ("a wine of extraordinary finesse and class") we recommend this as a buy.

Bordeaux En Primeur, landing in spring 2024.

To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk

 

 

Producer Profile

Château La Gaffelière

Château La Gaffelière is a premier grand cru classé (B) estate in St-Emilion, with vineyards first established in the Roman era.  It has been owned since the 17th century by the family of the Comte de Malet-Roquefort.  The current owner is Léo de Malet-Roquefort.  The 19 hectares of vines are planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, on a mix of clay, limestone and chalk soils.   After a difficult patch in the 1980s, quality has improved, particularly under Alexandre de Malet-Roquefort.