Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château La Gaffelière - Dame de Gaffelière - 2019

Viniou Reviews

The 2019 Dame de Gaffelière, the second wine of the renowned Château La Gaffelière, is an elegant expression from the celebrated Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC in Bordeaux. Made predominantly from Merlot, with a proportion of Cabernet Franc, this cuvée displays the hallmarks of its prestigious terroir. The 2019 vintage is widely regarded as exceptional in Bordeaux, marked by optimal ripening conditions that produced wines of both richness and balance. The grapes are hand-harvested from the limestone and clay slopes characteristic of the estate, and the vinification emphasises gentle extraction to preserve freshness and silkiness. The resulting wine presents vibrant aromas of ripe blackberries, plum, and violet, layered with subtle notes of spice and cedar, all underpinned by finely integrated tannins and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.

Saint-Émilion itself is famed for its picturesque medieval town, vineyard-clad hills, and ancient winemaking tradition. The climate here is temperate oceanic, offering warm, sunny summers and moderate rainfall, ideal for slow, even grape maturation. The predominance of limestone and clay soils imparts finesse and elegance to the wines, while also reinforcing their remarkable ageing potential. Winemaking in Saint-Émilion dates back to Roman times, and the region’s diverse soils and microclimates have helped it gain a reputation for producing some of Bordeaux’s most sought-after Merlot-dominated blends.

This 2019 Dame de Gaffelière pairs beautifully with classic French dishes such as duck breast with cherry sauce, beef tournedos with wild mushroom jus, or a hearty lamb navarin. For a regional accent, try it alongside the southwest specialty, cannelés de Bordeaux served after a meal, or even with a plate of aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire cheese. The supple tannins and fresh fruit profile also make it a charming companion to roasted root vegetables or truffled risotto.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru at 16-18°C. If possible, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to allow the aromas and flavours to fully open up. This will reveal its nuanced complexity and ensure a memorable tasting experience.