Clos La Gaffelière Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2022

Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Producer: Château La Gaffelière

Vintage: 2022

Grape Varieties: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14% ABV

Vineyard: Sloping vineyards around the village of Saint-Émilion

Winemaking: 12 months in oak

Serving Temperature: 19°C

94/100 Jane Anson.

Clos La Gaffelière is the second wine of globally renowned Château La Gaffelière (Premier Grand Cru Classé), and the 2022 has a powerfully focused personality. Merlot dominates the blend at 85%, with 15% Cabernet Franc, from sloping vineyards around the village of Saint-Émilion. Rather than being broad or overly plush, it is linear and tight, opening with berry fruit alongside bark, mineral and dark chocolate notes. Twelve months in oak sits naturally within that darker aromatic profile, giving the wine another layer without distracting from its assertive and railroad-straight sense of direction.

The palate is medium-bodied, tight and solid, with enough structure to give the wine definition and long term cellaring potential. Its strength is the way that compact shape carries its vibrant fruit payload through into a long, flavourful finish. There is substance here, but also restraint; it does not need to rely on sheer weight or volume to make an impression. That combination makes this a particularly interesting way to experience the character and pedigree associated with Château La Gaffelière and from a vintage like 2022 you are seeing it at its very best, when the quality difference from the top wine is narrowed.

This can be enjoyed now, with decanting, but with a drinking window extending through 2038. Serve at around 19°C with roast lamb, duck breast or beef with mushrooms. Awarded 94/100 by Jane Anson, this is very serious and focused Saint-Émilion with plenty still ahead of it.

Post arrival price will be $94.95