93-96

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2023 La Gaffelière is a dense, powerful wine. As has been the case since 2018, La Gaffelière has a strong Franc component—40% in 2023. Usually, the aromatics are quite lifted, but this wine is rather dense. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are impeccably balanced. This will need time to be at its best, but it shows promise. The introduction of 500-liter barrels and a reduction of new oak closes the wine a bit, but there's a ton of raw energy here and a good bit of tannin, too. 04/2024

94-96

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2023 La Gaffelière is very pure and floral on the nose, with black cherries intermingling with violet and iris flower scents. The new oak is neatly integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and layers of lightly spiced black fruit. Cedar and graphite furnish the poised but persistent finish. This is another in a succession of impressive wines from this estate that just oozes sensuality. Superb. 04/2024

94-97

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

One of the stars of the vintage, the 2023 Château La Gaffelière checks in as 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc resting in 50% new barrels. Cassis, smoked black fruits, graphite, and crushed stone all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It has a lot of oak but more than enough fruit and texture. It's serious stuff. 05/2024

96

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité, pur, subtil et complexe. Nuances de mûre et de vanille à l'agitation du verre. Toute la magie du toucher de ce cru est là. Le vin se développe minutieux, délicatement charnu et très savoureux. Il avance fondant, juteux, subtil et noble vers une finale profonde et incrachable dominée par la saveur du fruit noir et des tannins minutieux et fins. Un grand succès. Assemblage : 60 %merlot, 40 % cabernet franc. Degré d'alcool : 14°4 - pH : 3,5. Rendement : 45 hl/ha. Elevage en 50 % barriques neuves dont 12 % de 500 l et 2 % amphores. 04/2024

94-95

James Suckling

James Suckling

The center-palate reflects excellent terroir, with blackberry, black-olive and walnut aromas and flavors. Tight center-palate with firm but creamy tannins and a flavorful, classy finish. 04/2024