Château la Gaffelière

In Gallo-Roman times the soil of La Gaffelière was already planted with vines, as evidenced by this “palat” (palatium, palace) discovered in 1969 by the Comte de Malet Roquefort, during excavations that brought to light mosaic-floored rooms, one of which depicts a vine in fruit, thus confirming the wine-growing activity of this 4th-century palace. When one knows, moreover, that the wealthy poet-consul Ausonius (310-394) owned a wine estate in the vicinity, one cannot help drawing a few connections…
Since the 16th century, a permanent presence in this place has made the Malet Roquefort family the oldest in Saint-Émilion. This heritage confers a motivating responsibility which the present owner puts to use to renovate, certainly, but also to perpetuate the traditions thanks to which the renown of Château La Gaffelière has crossed borders.
Located 300 metres from the south gate of Saint-Émilion (CD 122), Château La Gaffelière sits at the centre of 22 hectares, 16 of them in production. The soil is micaceous clay-limestone on the slope and lacustrine-origin clay-limestone at the foot of the slope. The whole, favourably oriented to the south, receives ideal sunshine.
The wine of Château La Gaffelière is a deep, luminous ruby; its bouquet, rich in complex aromas, is dominated by blackcurrant and truffle. The palate, flattered by the balance, is filled by this powerful yet supple wine which, lingering, displays “the peacock’s tail”.
It is recommended to taste it at 17 °C, with red meats, game and mature cheeses.
The great vintages: 1985 – 1988 – 1989 – 1990 – 1995 – 1998 – 2000 – 2005 – 2009 – 2010.
The average age for drinking is 10 to 15 years, but its longevity, for a good vintage in a good cellar… is a lifetime!