The 2016 La Gaffeliere has a reserved bouquet at first, one that gradually unfurls with quite intense black cherry and sloes, yet there seems to be a welcome restraint, a Saint Emilion that knows how important it was to not "push" the fruit too much. The palate is medium-bodied with very smooth and rounded tannin. The acidity here is nicely judged, and it feels very cohesive, with dark berry fruit mixed with a little cola and plenty of black pepper towards the satisfying finish. Maybe it would benefit from more on the aftertaste, but otherwise this is an excellent La Gaffelière, a château that is now beginning to deliver the goods. 92-94 points

The Malet-Roquefort family has produced an extremely lovely wine in 2016, with the playoff of intensity and juiciness very well handled. The clay-limestone terroir has held freshness, and the floating floral aspect is clear right through the mid-palate and through to the finish. Beautifully balanced. 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc aged for 15 15 months in 50% new oak. 93 points

The 2016 La Gaffelière is not a huge Saint-Émilion, but rather a wine of total finesse and class. I loved it. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc very much in evidence in the perfumed, bright notes it contributes to the wine. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Simon Blanchard consult. 92-95 points