Chateau La Gaffeliere
Many Saint-Émilion families know that rankings are important and invest in them. In contrast, Château La Gaffelière chose the exact opposite path and left the system. The chateau is owned by the Malet Roquefort family for over three centuries and across nine generations. This vineyard had always been ranked Premier Grand Cru Classé B in the Saint-Émilion rating system, but rather than holding its position, it chose to withdraw from the system entirely.
The wine itself remains unchanged. It is a Merlot-led red wine produced on Bordeaux's Right Bank, with Cabernet Franc playing a supporting role.
Alexandre de Malet Roquefort runs the winery, and he and the family will continue producing wine in their own unique style.
The history
In 1955, when Saint-Émilion established the classification system, Château La Gaffelière was rated as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B. It has maintained this classification throughout all revisions over more than 65 years.
Then came June 2022. Ahead of the scheduled announcement of new classifications for September, the Classification Committee sent letters to the châteaux informing them of the possibility of classification changes and outlining the period for filing objections. According to the vineyard's account, the letter sent to La Gaffelière not only questioned the quality of the terroir that the AOC authorities had recognized for over 65 years but also pointed out the wine's performance in the tasting evaluation.
The Malet Roquefort family did not make an objection. Without asking for a re-evaluation or discussing with the committee, they withdrew from the classification system. In a statement, they explained that they could no longer see their value reflected in the criteria used to evaluate exceptional terroirs. The tasting notes and scores were completely at odds, as many renowned wine reviewers and experts clearly showed others reviews and scores.
Alexandre de Malet Roquefort described this as a withdrawal from a system to which the family had long been attached and from which it had long derived honor. He said that grape cultivation and winemaking operations would continue as before.
The family runs and owns this Saint-Émilion estate for over 300 years and knows what it is doing. Their perspective extends beyond any ranking system. This decision serves to make that clear.
Merlot first, Cabernet Franc behind
Château La Gaffelière is, in the general sense, a Right Bank blend. Merlot makes up the bulk of the wine, while Cabernet Franc provides overall balance. The vineyards dor not grow Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Merlot, 70%
- Cabernet Franc, 30%
These proportions are based on a certain moment as replanting is an ongoing process. The percentages mist be seen as approximately.
The wine blend varies per vintage.
The wines
The Grand Vin is named after the winery, Château La Gaffelière, and is the winery's signature wine.
Clos La Gaffelière is the second wine, created in 1985, mainly from young vines at the foot of the slope, with young hillside vines added in some years. It is merlot-dominant, typically 80 to 85% with Cabernet Franc. It has its own separate cuvier and cellar.
G de La Gaffelière is a new wine, first made from the 2022 harvest, 100% Cabernet Franc from 1.5 hectares split between the Sept Journaux Nord and Grande Côte parcels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Château La Gaffelière still a Premier Grand Cru Classé B?
No. It held that rank from the creation of the Saint-Émilion classification in 1955 until the family pulled out of the process in June 2022, ahead of the ranking published that September.
Who owns Château La Gaffelière?
The Malet Roquefort family, owners for more than 300 years across nine generations. Alexandre de Malet Roquefort is the current owner.
Is it the same estate as Château Canon-La Gaffelière?
No. Despite the similar name, Château Canon-La Gaffelière is a separate Saint-Émilion property, owned by Stephan von Neipperg.
Why did the estate leave the classification instead of appealing?
The family said it no longer recognised its values in the committee's criteria for judging terroir and wine, and that the tasting scores clashed with the assessments the wine had received elsewhere over many years.
