Château La Gaffelière 2022 is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from the Neipperg family, and it arrives with a notable label shift: the estate withdrew from the Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé classification in early 2022, so this vintage is labeled simply Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. In the glass, though, reviewers largely focus on how complete and limestone-driven the wine feels in this warm year.

The confirmed blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, and several critics note 19 months of élevage in 50% new French oak. James Suckling also reports “10% whole-bunch fermentation.” At 15.10% alcohol (noted by Decanter), the wine is still repeatedly described as balanced and fresh rather than heavy.

The strongest reviews are emphatic. Jeb Dunnuck (99) calls it “the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted,” citing “flawless balance” and a “full-bodied, seamless mouthfeel,” and predicts it “will most likely warrant a perfect rating in a decade.” Vinous’ Antonio Galloni (99) describes an “absolutely stunning wine” that has “closed down considerably post-bottling,” stressing its “dazzling complexity and purity for the cellar,” with blood orange, pomegranate, white pepper, dried herbs, and florals.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate’s Yohan Castaing (97) highlights hillside fruit “beneath Ausone,” with violet, dark berries, licorice, smoke, “powdery tannins,” and a “long, saline and complex finish.” Jane Anson (96) underscores both concentration and lift—“great balance of exuberance and freshness”—and points to “oyster shell salinity on the finish,” noting consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt.

Stylistically, the tasting notes converge on dark and blue fruit, florals, crushed-stone minerality, and saline length. Wine Spectator (96) flags “some high gloss toast,” but adds “the fruit is in clear command.” Most reviewers recommend patience; this is built for cellaring and should reward time.