2018 Chateau La Gaffeliere Saint-Emilion 1Er Grand Cru Classe
2018 Chateau La Gaffeliere Saint-Emilion 1Er Grand Cru Classe
The winter of 2018 was very wet so it was difficult to get into the vineyard before the beginning of April. Bud burst occurred in early April. We escaped two hailstorms at the end of May. Flowering was accompanied by heavy rainfall but fortunately fruit set was not much affected. Storms in June and July accentuated the pressure from mildew until veraison which occurred at the end of July for the Merlot and during August for the Cabernet Franc. Early August saw a heatwave with temperatures approaching 40°C causing some blockage at the end of veraison. We had to do some thinning on the Cabernet Franc for ripening purposes by cutting out bunches showing delayed veraison. The whites were picked on 30/08 to maintain a certain acidity. The high temperatures and the mild weather allowed for harvesting in good conditions. Cool nights and warm days favored finesse in the tannins.
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The colour is dense and deep; notes of small black fruit on the nose. The attack on the palate is smooth, sensual, voluptuous, the structure is precise and refined, the particularly successful Cabernets Francs bringing elegance and a spicy freshness. The tasting ends with an indulgent finish, full of tension and flavour.
Explosive aromas, leading with fresh blackberries and dried, savory herbs. Hints of anise, clove and crushed stone. Dense and chewy on the palate, with an expansive entry that crescendos through the long finish of lingering, fine grain tannins.
Dark, voluptuous black cherry fruit, sweet and vivacious. Good grip and acidity.
This wine is a superb ruby-red colour with purplish highlights. The initially closed-in bouquet opens up nicely on aeration. The wonderfully subtle aromas follow through in quick succession, starting with oaky overtones, followed by red-berry fruit, leading into terroir character: cocoa powder, roasting coffee, and Havana cigars. The initial softness on the palate gradually evolves [...]