The Estate
Château La Gaffelière is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion, with origins dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, as evidenced by archaeological remains found on the property. Since the 17th century, it has been owned by the Malet Roquefort family, one of the oldest winemaking dynasties in Bordeaux. This long family tradition shapes the soul of the estate, blending respect for history with contemporary precision.
Located in the famed “golden triangle” of Saint-Émilion, between the prestigious Châteaux Ausone and Pavie, the vineyard spans approximately 22 hectares, primarily on clay-limestone slopes and sandy foot-of-slope soils. This exceptional terroir imparts a rare elegance to the wines, with a natural balance between power, freshness, and finesse—hallmarks of the finest Right Bank grands crus.
Classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion, Château La Gaffelière has significantly refined its approach in recent decades, notably through extensive vineyard restructuring and expert guidance from Stéphane Derenoncourt. Recent vintages brilliantly express the identity of the estate: pure fruit, silky tannins, and remarkable aging potential. A benchmark for lovers of great Bordeaux wines.
The Wine
Viticulture at Château La Gaffelière is sustainable and attentive to both soil and vine, with tailored practices for each plot: mechanical soil work, controlled grass cover, leaf thinning, and green harvesting when necessary. The vineyard, planted mostly with Merlot and complemented by Cabernet Franc, is harvested by hand with rigorous sorting. Vinification is both parcel-specific and gravity-fed, taking place in a state-of-the-art winery with stainless steel truncated cone tanks, allowing gentle extraction to preserve the fruit's elegance. The wine is aged for 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, a majority of which are new.
Tasting
Château La Gaffelière offers a refined bouquet of ripe dark fruits, violet, and a signature limestone-driven minerality. On the palate, the wine stands out for its balance between density and freshness, featuring silky tannins and a long, saline, and elegant finish.
