For this third wine from Château La Gaffeliere, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are used, just as they are for the fine wines. The vineyards are situated in an exceptional climate with abundant sunshine and the cool breeze that blows through them from the Gironde River. The terroir is unique, partly due to the vineyards' location in the Golden Triangle. Nestled between the hills of Pavie and Ausone, the environment is perfect. The Malet Roquefort family, who have owned the winery for over three centuries, are proud of this, and we taste that in this classic wine, Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere. The soil structure in which the vines grow contains many layers of clay and green organ, giving this red wine its own unique character. When the harvest is ripe, the bunches are harvested entirely by hand to guarantee the purity of this red wine. Well, they certainly succeeded—pure, honest, and exceptionally pure!
When the harvest arrives in small crates at Château La Gaffelier, the bunches are gently pressed, the black juice collected, and initially aged in steel vats. This Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere is then aged in oak barrels, creating a full-bodied and powerful Saint-Émilion wine. This is also clearly noticeable in the aroma: springy and beautifully classic aromas of black fruit, spices, vanilla, and a touch of berry and chocolate. On the palate, it's a wine to savor, as this Les Hauts de la Gaffeliere warms the palate. We initially noted impressions of blackberry and berry, along with vanilla and a touch of cedar. On the cheeks, beautifully refined tannins with a good level of fruit. On the back of the tongue, flavors of vanilla, cedar, and licorice tingle, bringing balance to the wine. The powerful yet smooth finish offers a beautiful, classic wine feel, perfectly suited to this Saint-Émilion.
