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 was a premier grand cru classé (B) estate in St-Emilion until it opted to leave the classification in 2022.  The vineyards were 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.