Chateau La Gaffeliere 2012

Classification	Cru Classe
Type	Red
Producer	Chateau La Gaffeliere
Vintage	2012
Country	France
Main region	Bordeaux
Region	Saint-Emilion
Grape	Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Bordeaux Blend
Volume	0,75
Condition	From Original Wooden Case
Label	Perfect
Drinkable	-2038
Stock	9

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (92)

Lots of sweet Christmas fruitcake notes intermixed with black cherry, black currant, licorice and incense jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Medium to full-bodied with surprisingly soft, round tannins and a beautiful mid-palate, the 2012 does not deviate much from the estate’s elegant, racy style. This beauty can be drunk early or aged for 15 or more years.

This is an impressive offering from proprietor Count Leo Malet De Roquefort (whose family dates back to the 1400s). The 2012 La Gaffeliere achieved 14% natural alcohol, which, while relatively high for a 2012, is not up to the remarkable levels achieved in 2010 or 2009. The harvest occurred between October 4 and 16, and the final blend was 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Winespectator (93)

This has a lovely core of pure, fresh, well-defined boysenberry, blackberry and plum fruit, which glides beautifully over polished alder and vanilla notes while hints of violet and anise fill in on the finish. A lovely whiff of tobacco chimes in at the very end. This should be fun to cellar. A big wine that goes with the flow of the vintage and doesn't try to overdo it.

James Suckling (93)

Beautiful nose of strawberries, cherries and cedar notes. Shaved chocolate, too. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a juicy and fruity finish. Persistent on the palate.

Rene Gabriel (17)

Rene Gabriel rates this wine 17/20 points.