(TWI 96-98 points) The 2023 La Gaffeliere is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with fragrant scents of boysenberries, fresh juicy plums, and black raspberries opening out to hints of lilacs, Sichuan pepper, fragrant soil, and cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate is exquisitely knit with filigree layers of black and red berries and floral accents, supported by plush tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long and perfumed. Wow! The blend is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.50. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

From one of the finest estates in Saint-Emilion, the 2023 Château La Gaffelière checks in as 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc from clay-limestone soils that spent 21 months in 50% new French oak (including 12% 500-liter barrels) with 2% in amphora. Ripe red and black fruits, leafy, smoky tobacco, graphite, crushed stone, and hints of chocolate all emerge from this brilliant 2023, and it's concentrated and medium-bodied on the palate, with a pure, focused, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Don't miss it. Drink 2029-2055. - Jeb Dunnuck

(JL 94-96 points) Black plums, flowers, cherries, and fennel fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is luscious, elegant, polished, fresh, sweet, and lifted, with lingering cherries, and plums on the backend in the salted-chocolatey, finish. Drink from 2028-2050.

The 2023 La Gaffelière is gorgeous. Silky, aromatic and nuanced, the 2023 is terrific. It lacks some of the explosive energy of some recent vintages, but that may also reflect the significant presence of Cabernet Franc in the blend. Dark fruit, blood orange, mint and pomegranate are all beautifully delineated. This is a vintage that emphasizes finesse over power. I can't wait to see how it ages. - Antonio Galloni

A deep nose, floral, so perfumed, lots of ripe black bramble fruit. Concentrated and so full, there’s density on the palate, there’s so much ripe red fruit that fills the mouth with a soft grip to the tannins that support the fruit but doesn't overwhelm. This feels instantly classy, layered and complex with a gentle confidence. It’s round and slightly fleshy, although feels sculpted and muscular with volume, a lovely juiciness and a touch of dark chocolate, cedar and liquorice on the finish. Sophisticated.

Aromas of ripe black cherries, mulberries and touches of iodine and violet extract. Full-bodied, flavorful and structured but finely etched, with fine tannins, good acidity and a long, Fine finish. 58% merlot and 42% cabernet franc. Better from 2027. Zekun Shuai Senior Editor

Deep ruby colour, mulberry flavours and aromatics, upfront damson and black cherry fruit on the attack, this is full of power and flavour, sappy with a punch of spice, and chalky tannins that hold everything in place. Great stuff. 50% new oak for ageing, Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant, Alexandre de Malet-Roquefort owner. Bottled in June 2025.