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2016 Chateau La Gaffeliere

Published

2016 Chateau La Gaffeliere

On Sale: $89.94 (was: $99.94)*

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Just arrived and in stock, the “powerful and elegant” 2016 Chateau Gaffeliere (Wine Enthusiast) is an absolute must have from one of St Emilion’s most historic vineyards. Per Robert Parker “quality at this estate has soared dramatically” in recent years, and they are slowly closing the gap with the very upper echelon, including nearby Ausone and Pavie. This ancient Chateau actually shares a hill with Ausone, so it is no surprise that Gaffeliere is producing some of the most exciting St Emilion at its price point.

Legendary oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt has been helping to realize the potential of this historic estate since ‘04, with a massive replanting program increasing the density of vines and the proportion of Cabernet Franc. As recently as the 1990s, Gaffeliere’s vineyard was by far dominated by Merlot, despite the more limestone heavy terroir. Now with 60/40 Merlot/Cabernet Franc, Gaffeliere is starting to resemble Cheval Blanc with its layers of complexity, floral perfume, and longer aging curve. Per Decanter, “a buzz is building around this property”, and given the success of the 2016 vintage, now is the time to grab as much of this modern day classic as you can!

97 points & Editors’ Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A warm wine rich in tannins and with succulent berry fruits, this is both powerful and elegant. Its density doesn't detract from the fruitiness that shines out of the wine and balances with the structured aging potential."

96 points, Decanter: "This was delicious En Primeur and is even better now with three years under its belt. It's had time to bed down and is fully set for the long term. Wonderfully rich, intense dark fruits are joined by grip and supple tannins through the palate. It has hints of dark chocolate, and a floral edge from the Cabernet Franc. Be in no rush to open this, because it's clearly going to deliver over the next few decades."

96 points, Vinous: "The 2016 La Gaffelière is superb. Vivid and precise, with layers of nuance, the 2016 is a wine of real clarity. Blood orange, lavender, rose petal and mint add brightness to this stunningly beautiful Saint-Émilion. La Gaffelière is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, and it is the Franc that gives the wine so much character and complexity. This is just an irresistibly captivating Saint-Émilion."

*Offer publication date April 14, 2022. Pricing and availability subject to change.