The 2019 La Gaffeliere Bordeaux Blend is a notable red wine from the Saint-Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by the esteemed La Gaffeliere estate, this wine features a 14.5% alcohol content and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. The 2019 vintage has garnered considerable praise from wine reviewers, consistently scoring in the mid-90s.
James Suckling (jamessuckling.com) awarded the wine a 96, noting its "vibrant, fragrant" profile with "aromas of blackberries, currants, walnuts and mint chocolate." He highlighted the wine's "fine-grained tannins" and "fantastic length," advising to try it in 2025 for optimal enjoyment.
Jeb Dunnuck (jebdunnuck.com) gave it an even higher score of 97, calling it "pure Saint-Emilion brilliance." He commended its "complex, intense bouquet of red and black fruits, iron, truffly earth, tobacco, and bouquet garni." Dunnuck praised its perfect tannins and "gorgeous finish," predicting that it will "evolve gracefully over the coming 30 years or more."
Decanter also rated it highly at 95, describing the wine as having a "rich and round nose, bursting with ripe fruit aromas." They found it "plump and voluptuous on the palate" with "excellent acidity," making it both "delicate yet deep."
Jeff Leve (TheWineCellarInsider.com) echoed similar sentiments with a score of 96, emphasizing its improvement over time. He noted its "tobacco leaf, flowers, ripe red fruits, espresso, and thyme" aromas and described the wine as "rich, fresh, vibrant," advising to drink it from 2026-2050.
Neal Martin (Vinous) also gave it a 96, appreciating its "mineral-rich black and red fruit" and "perfectly balanced" nature. He highlighted the influence of 40% Cabernet Franc in the blend, predicting "30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 95, with William Kelley noting its "rich bouquet of blackberries and cherries" and "creamy new oak." Kelley praised its "bright acids and fine, powdery tannins," suggesting it is a promising candidate for long-term aging.
Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both awarded the wine 94 points. Wine Spectator highlighted its "dense fig, boysenberry and red currant paste flavors" with "chalky minerality," while Wine Enthusiast praised its "dense structure" and "generous tannins," recommending to drink from 2026.
Jane Anson (janeanson.com) rated it 96, lauding its "depth and complexity" and "touches of mineral pulsing and salinity on the finish." She noted the involvement of Stephane Derenoncourt as a consultant since 2004 and described the wine as "brilliant."
Overall, the 2019 La Gaffeliere is celebrated for its complexity, vibrant acidity, and potential for long-term aging. It stands out as an exceptional vintage from a historic estate.