Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Clos La Gaffelière - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Clos La Gaffelière 2023 is a red wine hailing from the prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, located within the Libournais subregion of Bordeaux, France. This estate typically features a classic Bordeaux blend, with Merlot dominating the composition, complemented by Cabernet Franc and occasionally small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2023 vintage has benefited from a mild winter and a temperate, slightly damp summer, which has helped to maintain freshness and aromatic complexity. The terroir here is distinctive, featuring limestone slopes and clay soils that bestow natural elegance and depth to the wine. Vinification in this Grand Cru property is meticulous, with gentle extraction to emphasise ripe fruit, supple tannins, and balanced structure.

Saint-Émilion is a region steeped in winemaking history, with its origins dating back to Roman times. It is celebrated for its patchwork of varied soils—primarily limestone, clay, and gravel—that contribute nuance and finesse to its wines. The area benefits from a temperate maritime climate, moderated by the Dordogne River, which promotes slow, even ripening of the grapes and gives the wines their characteristic plushness and approachability. The wines of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru are highly regarded for their capacity to age gracefully while also offering expressive, youthful fruit in their early years.

For pairings, Clos La Gaffelière 2023 will shine alongside classic Bordeaux dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (grilled ribeye with a red wine sauce), roast lamb with herbs, or duck breast glazed with redcurrant. Mushroom-based dishes like a wild mushroom risotto or a truffle-infused poultry also bring out the earthy undertones in the wine. Mature cheeses, such as aged Comté or Cantal, make for delectable accompaniments.

To best appreciate the fresh fruit character and elegant tannins of this youthful Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, decant for an hour before serving and enjoy at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will allow the bouquet to open fully and the palate to reveal its layered complexity.