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The 2018 La Gaffeliere Bordeaux Blend, produced by La Gaffeliere in the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a highly acclaimed red wine. This vintage has received several excellent reviews from professional wine critics, highlighting its commendable qualities.
James Suckling awarded the wine a score of 95, noting its "aromas of black cherries, flowers and cedar with sandalwood and stone." He praised its full-bodied nature and "wonderfully polished tannins" which he described as "caressing the palate." Suckling suggests letting the wine age, recommending to "try after 2025."
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave an impressive score of 97, describing the estate as "on a roll" with its powerful tannins and dense black fruits. Voss emphasized the wine's potential for aging, highlighting its "perfumed, ripe berry flavors" and "rich tannins." He advised to "drink from 2027."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown as the reviewer, also rated the wine 97. Perrotti-Brown appreciated its "medium to deep garnet-purple color" and the complex array of flavors including "stewed red and black plums, mulberries, and Morello cherries." She noted its "fine-grained tannins" and "loads of freshness," recommending aging it for 4-5 years and enjoying it over the next 20 years.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider provided a score range of 93-95, mentioning the wine's "polished and pure" nature with a "roundness to the fruit" and a finish that includes "floral, licorice, espresso, cocoa, and red pit fruit."
Jeb Dunnuck rated it 93, describing it as a "pretty, elegant Saint-Emilion" with a "classic, mineral-laced style." He praised its "seamless" texture and "ripe tannins," projecting that it will "evolve for two decades or more."
Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave a near-perfect score of 99, calling it "one of the wines of the vintage." He highlighted its "inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice, and leather" and described it as "rich, deep and beautifully resonant."
Wine Spectator's JM rated it 94, noting its "expressive and pure" nature with flavors of "cassis, bitter cherry, and damson plum." He recommended drinking it from 2023 through 2036.
Decanter rated it 96, complimenting the "beautifully floral-laced nose" and the "sense of energy and lift." The reviewer appreciated its light-footed nature despite the 14.5% ABV.
Lastly, The Wine Independent, also reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, rated it 96. She noted its "deep garnet purple color" and flavors including "new leather, cedar chest, and smoked meats," with a "firm, yet velvety texture" and "opulent finish."
Overall, the 2018 La Gaffeliere Bordeaux Blend is a wine of substantial depth and complexity, promising a remarkable aging potential.