2003 La Gaffeliere

A beautiful wine from proprietor Count Leo Malet De Roquefort, the 2003 La Gaffeliere was produced from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare and the harvest occurred between September 19-27. The final blend was 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Beautifully fulfilling my predictions made eleven years ago, it is a broad, full-bodied, savory red displaying notes of fruitcake, unsmoked cigar tobacco, truffles, incense, black cherries and black currants. Fleshy and close to full maturity, but in no danger of falling apart, this beauty should drink well for another decade or longer.

Full red. Slightly roasted aromas of cherry, plum, mocha, coffee and charred oak. Supple and chunky but a bit flat and in need of more definition. Distinctly low-toned on the back end, with some drying wood tannins.

Very deep crimson. Sweet, candied violets on the nose. Very sweet and almost porty. Not one of the finest but certainly very sweet. Tannins a little dry and green on the (hot) finish. Sorry – this is just OTT. Not enough convincing structure for the long term and too alcoholic. (JR)