The 2005 La Gaffeliere was the winning bottle in the October installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for 4 hours and served with a tri tip roast.
The estate dates back to the 11th century but he true beginnings of La Gaffeliere as a winery started with the arrival of the Comte de Malet-Roquefort in the 17th century. In the 18th century the estate was split and Canon La Gaffeliere was formed.
Dark crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Gorgeous nose of dark fruits, leather, graphite and Asian spices. Medium to full bodied with tremendous power and concentration. Black currants, cassis liqueur, tobacco leaves and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with searing tannins. This needs more time to really show well and one has to hope the fruit is still shining when the tannins finally resolve. Best over the next decade or so.
My rating: 92 points.
The 2021 La Gaffeliere is readily available for $75 and highly recommended. Be patient with this wine.