Carruades de Lafite, Pauillac, Bordeaux (Magnum) 2023 vs Château La Gaffelière, (Magnum) 2021

Château La Gaffelière, (Magnum) 2021

Château La Gaffelière 2021 comes from one of the historic estates on the southern slopes of Saint-Émilion, where the vineyards sit on a mix of limestone plateau and clay-limestone soils just below Ausone. The blend is typically dominated by Merlot with a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc, giving the wine both plush fruit and a firm, aromatic backbone. The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux was a challenging, cooler year marked by spring frost and a damp growing season, demanding meticulous vineyard work and strict selection. The best wines show restraint and classical balance rather than power, with bright acidity, moderate alcohol and a clear expression of terroir. At La Gaffelière, the result is a poised, finely structured wine that leans toward elegance and freshness.