The 2005 La Gaffeliere Bordeaux Blend from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a red wine that has garnered significant acclaim. Produced by La Gaffeliere, this wine stands out for its exceptional depth and complexity, which has been noted by several prominent reviewers.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this vintage a stellar score of 96, describing it as "the finest La Gaffeliere I have ever tasted." The review highlights its "dense ruby/purple color" and a "flamboyant bouquet" that includes notes of lead pencil shavings, crème de cassis, blackberries, smoked meats, incense, and Asian spice. Despite its "explosive richness and intensity," the wine maintains an "exceptionally elegant" profile, thanks to its terroir. The Advocate anticipates the wine reaching its maturity between 2014 and 2030, noting its approachability but cautioning about "significant tannins."
Wine Spectator also praised the 2005 vintage with a score of 93, noting its "fabulous opulent nose of crushed blackberry, wild licorice, and flowers." The review emphasizes the wine's full-bodied nature, "velvety tannins," and a "long finish," suggesting it is a "flavorful young red" best enjoyed after 2013.
Jane Anson provided a detailed analysis of the wine in 2025, rating it at 95. She describes the wine as having a "generosity and velvety texture of the tannins," with a "deep garnet color." Anson notes the presence of "liquorice root, aromatics of tobacco, cigar, iris," and fruit like "grilled loganberry and raspberry." She commends the wine's structure, with "excellent backbone of fresh acidities," and mentions its tertiary notes of "truffle, soy, and broth" as it opens, suggesting it is fully in its drinking window at 20 years.
Overall, the 2005 La Gaffeliere is a robust and elegant wine with significant aging potential, celebrated for its complexity and balance.