97-99

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2025 La Gaffelière soars out of the glass with magnificent intensity. Strong Cabernet Franc overtones and bright saline notes from the clay-limestone plateau are finely sketched with tremendous precision. The 2025 bristles with tension from start to finish. It's a phenomenal wine by any measure. Tasted two times. 04/2026

95-97

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2025 La Gaffelière undergoes malo in barrel and matures in 50% new oak barrels and the remainder in one-year oak, 12% in demi-muids and 4% amphorae. It continues a strong run of form for this rejuvenated Saint-Émilion, with quite ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry scents, a dash of black pepper and brown spices, the Cabernet Franc shaping the aromatics and giving it a Pomerol-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, impressive weight, quite peppery and tensile; this maintains density and grip through to the long finish. This is a great wine that has great personality and charm. 05/2026

90-92

Yohan Castaing

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2025 La Gaffelière reveals an open, expressive bouquet of cassis, with a vivid fruit profile that becomes more floral with aeration. Medium- to full-bodied, it's more reserved on the palate, built around a firm, limestone-inflected structure, with tannins that show a touch of dryness at this stage. The contrast between aromatic generosity and structural restraint will likely resolve with élevage. 04/2026

96-98+

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

A brilliant château that has been producing truly exceptional wines over the last decade or more, the 2025 Château La Gaffelière sports a deep purple hue and a gorgeous perfume of black and blue fruits, minty herbs, graphite, and chocolate, as well as perfectly integrated background oak. On the palate, it's ripe, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a deep, layered style that brings the purity as well as the freshness that's the hallmark of the vintage. It's going to check in near the top of this notable vintage. 05/2026

98

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, subtil et complexe. Ample à l'attaque, juteux et complexe en milieu de bouche, avec beaucoup de goût et de la classe dans le toucher, le vin se développe lentement sur une texture grasse. Il s'achève en prenant de la densité, noble, profond et savoureux, sur une grande persistance de violette. Une somptueuse réussite. Assemblage : 65 % Merlot, 35 % Cabernet Franc. Degré d'alcool : 13°8 - pH : 3,41. Rendement : 39 hl/ha. Production : 110 000 bouteilles. Vendanges - Merlot : du 4 au 23 septembre - Cabernet Franc : du 19 au 24 septembre. 04/2026

94-95

James Suckling

James Suckling

Well driven, velvety and precise, with red berry and leather aromas. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Crushed berry and dark chocolate flavors and a compact, savory finish. 04/2026