Chateau La Gaffeliere
Château La Gaffelière has relinquished its spot. Having consistently ranked among the very top since the Saint-Émilion grading system was introduced in 1955, the château voluntarily withdrew from the 2022 grading process rather than engage in a dispute with the committee. Behind this decision stands the Malet Roquefort family, which has owned this property for over three centuries and across nine generations, an unusual occurrence even by Bordeaux standards.
The wine itself is a Merlot-led Saint-Emilion red, blended with a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc; it is full-bodied and characterized by oak barrel aging. Even after stepping back from the classification system, Château La Gaffelière has continued to produce wine in the same manner, based on the belief that the terroir and those who enjoy the wine are more important than the label.
Nine generations
The Malet Roquefort family has owned this property for over 300 years across nine generations, and the current owner, Alexandre de Malet Roquefort, still operates it.
When Saint-Emilion introduced the classification system in 1955, La Gaffelière entered the 1er Grand Cru Classé B classification and maintained that status for decades. This streak came to an end in 2022. Ahead of the new classifications to be announced by September, the classification committee sent letters to the châteaux notifying them of potential changes and granting them a period to file objections.
The letter sent to La Gaffelière raised concerns about the quality of the château's terroir and the performance of its wines in tasting evaluations. The family did not file an objection. Instead, without requesting a re-evaluation or appearing before the committee, they withdrew entirely from the classification system.
Their reasoning was straightforward. They stated that they could no longer find their values reflected in the committee's assessment of Saint-Émilion's exceptional terroir and outstanding wines, and pointed out that the tasting scores contradicted the evaluations La Gaffelière had received from well-known wine experts over the years. Alexandre de Malet Roquefort simply stated that it was time to step back.
Instead, he pledged to remain steadfast in his approach: to continue as a grape grower, to honor the Saint-Emilion terroir, and to craft wines that reflect the winery's unique character for those who already enjoy their wines.
Merlot first, Cabernet Franc close behind
Château La Gaffelière blends the classic Right Bank combination, and the ratio varies depending on the vintage. The 2015 vintage had the following ratio:
- Merlot, 70%
- Cabernet Franc, the remaining 30%
Merlot offers a rich body and weight on the mid-palate, while Cabernet Franc delivers aromatic vibrancy and a firmer edge.
One name on the label
This winery's Saint-Emilion red wine is named after the winery itself, Château La Gaffelière. It is a dry red wine aged in oak barrels and bottled with natural corks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Château La Gaffelière still a Premier Grand Cru Classé B?
No. The estate was ranked 1er Grand Cru Classé B from the creation of the Saint-Emilion classification in 1955, but it withdrew from the classification process in June 2022, before the new ranking was published.
Why did the estate leave the classification?
It received a letter questioning the quality of its terroir and the tasting result for its wine. Rather than appeal, the Malet Roquefort family chose to leave, saying the committee's criteria and scoring system no longer matched how they saw Saint-Emilion's terroirs and wines.
Who owns Château La Gaffelière?
The Malet Roquefort family, for more than 300 years and nine generations. Alexandre de Malet Roquefort is the current owner.
Is it the same estate as Château Canon-La Gaffelière?
No. Canon-La Gaffelière is a separate Saint-Emilion property under different ownership, despite the similar name.
