The 2014 La Gaffeliere appears to have improved since it's showing in barrel (I did hint at this at the time). The nose is perfumed and slightly floral, certainly well defined with neatly integrated oak, dark fruit emerging with aeration in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly edgy, chalky tannin on the entry, shrouded by plenty of dusky black fruit and a potent, graphite-tinged finish. This is one to watch.
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 La Gaffeliere is quite closed to begin, slowly unfurling to give scents of baked raspberries, kirsch, dried mulberries and plum pudding plus nuances of pencil shavings and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate layers in the savory and earthy flavors with a firm frame of chewy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.
This very strong effort achieved 14.5% natural alcohol in this vintage, and is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. This wine is looked after by Stephane Derenoncourt, who has turned out a beautifully elegant, dark plum/purple-colored 2008 with notes of black cherries, blackberries, damp earth, truffle, and a hint of spicy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin and a long, rich finish, this impressively endowed wine should hit its peak in 4-5 years and last for two decades or more.
