The Malet-Roquefort family have owned La Gaffeliére since 1705, a relatively short time considering the property’s origins are rooted in the second century. Beginning in 1969, archaeological work at the property uncovered a series of beautiful mosaics, evidence that a high-status Roman villa – believed to have belonged to the poet Ausonius - once stood there. This gives further weight to the theory that Ausone and Gaffeliére once formed a single, large estate.
The 38 hectares of vines are planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Thanks to large investment in the vineyards and the decision in 2017 to include only the best plots in the Grand Vin, we have seen a drastic increase in quality.
“From a Château on the site of a Roman Villa (wine has been made here for a very long time), this is a delightful, cool, aromatic, but beautifully structured St Emilion with impeccable balance, helped by the 40% of Cabernet Franc in the blend. As Bordeaux vintages get warmer, the Cabernet Franc element to the best St Emilions is improving the wines complexity, depth and balance and rendering them elegant and fine.”
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
“An estate with a gathering sense of excitement around it, and once again proves why with the 2019. Sleek and flavourful, with the insistent tug of limestone slowing things down and allowing the juice and the tension to really inform the palate. Creamy texture also, with blueberry and raspberry fruit played gently against tobacco and crushed stone minerality. Highly successful.”
95/100 Jane Anson, Decanter
“A polished red with well-integrated tannins that are soft and persistent. Very tailored. It’s medium-bodied with rich fruit and a flavorful finish. Very fine and polished at the finish. Chewy at the end. Very tight.”
95-96/100. James Suckling
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