($19, Luneau USA / Nicolas Wines): Château La Gaffelière is one of the leading properties in Saint-Emilion, making sensational wine year in and year out.  As the competition at the top end of Bordeaux continues, the top properties make ever increasing severe selections to maintain the quality — and price — of the top wine.  Wine that doesn’t make the grade goes into the Château’s second label.  Well, as the prices of the second labels increase, the Château feel increasing pressure to maintain their quality by creating a third wine, Léo de la Gaffelière, in the case of Château La Gaffelière.  But the third string of a great team can still play a strong game.  This third wine is definitely worth your attention. Red fruit flavors mix with herbal notes and dance across the palate. The tannins that support the plushness are especially fine for a third wine and make it easy to enjoy now.
89 Michael Apstein Nov 26, 2013