{"product_id":"chateau-la-gaffeliere-saint-emilion-grand-cru-premier-grand-cru-classe-2018-750ml","title":"Château La Gaffelière Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Premier Grand Cru Classé) 2018 (750ml)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe winter of 2018 was very wet, so it was difficult to get into the vineyard before the beginning of April. Bud burst occurred in early April. We escaped two hailstorms at the end of May. Flowering was accompanied by heavy rainfall but fortunately fruit set was not much affected. Storms in June and July accentuated the pressure from mildew until véraison, which occurred at the end of July for the Merlot and during August for the Cabernet Franc. Early August saw a heatwave, with temperatures approaching 40°C, causing some blockage at the end of véraison. We had to do some thinning on the Cabernet Franc for ripening purposes, by cutting out bunches showing delayed véraison. The whites were picked on 30\/08 to maintain a certain acidity. The high temperatures and the mild weather allowed for harvesting in good conditions. Cool nights and warm days favored finesse in the tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipWineNotes\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipWineNotes_copy viewMoreModule js-expanded\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"viewMoreModule_text\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlend: 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"pipSecContent_headline\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"reviewsContainer viewMoreModule\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"viewMoreModule_text viewMoreModule-reviews\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eV\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e99\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVinous\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 2018 La Gaffelière is hands down one of the wines of the vintage. Towering in its stature and vertical lift, the 2018 dazzles right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and leather all run through this deep, wonderfully pliant Saint-Émilion. The 2018 is rich, deep and beautifully resonant, with tremendous depth and tons of stature that builds, all framed by beams of supporting minerality that confer vibrancy. La Gaffelière is distinctive, alluring and arresting right out of the gate. It is another magnificent showing from this reborn estate. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Magnifique!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFeatures a beautiful beam of cassis, bitter cherry and raspberry fruit streaming through, laced with chalky minerality and backed by floral and spice accents, all allied to a polished, luxurious feel that doesn't sacrifice definition or drive.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBarrel Sample: \u003c\/span\u003e94-97\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis estate is on a roll. Replete with powerful tannins and dense black fruits, this latest release continues the succession of fine vintages. Perfumed, ripe with berry flavors and, more importantly, with rich tannins, the wine will age impressively. Drink from 2027. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCellar Selection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRP\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e97\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRobert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMedium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Gaffeliere is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to offer peeks at notions of stewed red and black plums, mulberries and Morello cherries, plus hints of damp earth, tar and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound, delivering crunchy red and black fruits with an approachable texture of fine-grained tannin's and loads of freshness, finishing long with a lifted perfume. This is a refreshing, beautifully perfumed and skillfully crafted expression of the vintage. Give it 4-5 years in bottle and then enjoy it over the next 20 years+.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e96\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDecanter\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe combination of Cabernet Franc and limestone give this wine both a beautifully floral-laced nose, and a sense of energy and lift as it travels through the palate. Extremely light-footed for a wine at 14.5 ABV%, barely discernible and the black fruits are followed by juice at every step of the way. Good stuff. Drinking Window 2026 - 2045\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e95\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAromas of black cherries, flowers and cedar with sandalwood and stone. It’s full-bodied and very intense with wonderfully polished tannins that caress your palate and take you away. Give this time to come together. Try after 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_list\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_initials\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wineRatings_rating\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e93\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_authorName\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJeb Dunnuck\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipProfessionalReviews_review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pipSecContent_copy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBased on 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château La Gaffelière is another pretty, elegant Saint-Emilion with a classic, mineral-laced style as well as a terrific mix of finesse and richness. Black raspberries, cassis, graphite, white flowers, and chalky minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied, seamless 2018 that offers plenty of concentration, a lively, focused texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's going to evolve for two decades or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Château La Gaffelière","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43166620123360,"sku":"111902","price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/products\/chateau-la-gaffeliere-saint-emilion-grand-cru-premier-grand-cru-classe_1.jpg?v=1663884140","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/chateau-la-gaffeliere-saint-emilion-grand-cru-premier-grand-cru-classe-2018-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}