The 2014 La Gaffeliere, a Bordeaux Blend from the Saint-Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is an elegant and balanced red wine produced by La Gaffeliere. The wine, which features a cork closure and an alcohol content of 14.5%, has garnered significant praise from several esteemed wine critics.
Wine Enthusiast awarded this vintage an impressive 96 points, highlighting its "great structure" and "considerable elegance." The review notes dense tannins paired with fresh, bright black-currant fruit, culminating in a lively and fruity finish. Wine Spectator also offered a strong review with a score of 93 points, describing it as having a "lovely blackberry puree note," with hints of fig, plum, licorice, and juniper, all backed by a persistent but fine-grained structure. They recommend enjoying this wine between 2020 and 2030.
James Suckling was equally impressed, giving it 94 points and praising its "precision and verve" with "berry, sliced mushroom, and flower characters." He commended its full body, tightness, and refined nature, suggesting it can be enjoyed immediately or held for future drinking.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine 91 points, noting an improvement since its barrel showing. Reviewer Neal Martin observed a perfumed and slightly floral nose with well-integrated oak and dark fruit emerging over time. The palate is described as medium-bodied with chalky tannins and a potent, graphite-tinged finish.
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine at 92 points, appreciating its "supple, elegant and classic" style. He highlighted the wine's impressive intensity and depth, with ripe blackcurrant, black cherries, spring flowers, and mineral notes. Dunnuck predicts it will drink well for 10-15 years.
Decanter also gave a glowing review with 94 points, emphasizing the wine's precision, balance, and power. They noted the influence of replanted Cabernet Franc, which adds black pepper spice, licorice, and floral aromatics to the wine's profile. The review concluded that this wine has the generosity and impact of a St-Emilion Premier Cru Classé and will continue to build complexity over the years.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider scored it 93 points, describing it as having "licorice, earth, and dark, fresh plums," with a "silky, limber, and sweet" profile and a finish marked by freshness and finesse.
Overall, the 2014 La Gaffeliere is a well-regarded Bordeaux Blend that offers a balanced and elegant drinking experience, praised for its structure, complexity, and aging potential.
