The 2017 La Gaffeliere is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant scents of kirsch, black raspberries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, rosehip tea and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and sophistication, with tons of bright, perfumed fruit and exquisitely ripe tannins, finishing with bags of freshness and energy. Since the lower-lying sections of La Gaffeliere were affected by frost this year, this wine mainly comes from the section up on the Saint-Émilion plateau, near Ausone. Truly impressive!
97 points, Wine Advocate (Mar 2020)
The 2017 La Gaffelière possesses off-the-charts aromatic intensity in a mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. Wild rose petals, blood orange and spice give the 2017 striking aromatic intensity. Medium in body, lithe and supremely gracious, the 2017 is one of the real highlights of this challenging vintage. It is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it.
97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2020)
La Gaffeliere 2017 is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a bit of coaxing to reveal vibrant notes of crushed red and black plums, boysenberries, and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of spice box, cast-iron pan, and dried lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers muscular black fruit with ripe, grainy tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced.
97 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Dec 2022)
This wine has good structure, delicious black-currant fruits and powerful tannins. Its dry core will drive this wine forward as it matures. The aftertaste brings out the fruitiness of the vintage. Drink from 2024.
96 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2020)
This vintage was a real success at La Gaffelière, in what was a challenging vintage for some, and continues to be a joyful surprise as it approaches nine years old. Dried roses, tobacco leaf, graphite, chalky fine tannins, liquorice root, gunsmoke, delicate redcurrant and blueberry fruits, lusciously drinkable. In its drinking window, with the finesse and precision underlined right now - the score reflects this, but I would not suggest holding it for as long as the 2015 or 2016. Cabernet Franc is around 40% of the blend, the highest since 1961. Franck Darricau winemaker, Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant, Alexandre de Malet Roquefort owner. 50% new oak for ageing.
96 points, Jane Anson (Nov 2025)
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