Château La Gaffelière G de la Gaffelière Episode II Chardonnay

The origins of G de la Gaffelière

Château La Gaffelière in Saint-Émilion has been one of Bordeaux's leading wineries for centuries. Under the leadership of the Malet Roquefort family, they produce not only the famous Grand Cru Classé, but also an exceptionally rare white wine: G de la Gaffelière .

Château La Gaffelière has been in the same family for over four centuries. The 38-hectare estate boasts a prime location: directly below the legendary Château Ausone and adjacent to Belair Monange. Over the past 10 years, La Gaffelière has become one of Saint-Émilion's rising stars, receiving unanimous critical acclaim.

Noteworthy: since 2022, owner Alexandre de Malet Roquefort has decided to withdraw from the Saint-Émilion classification system. No longer will the label read "1er Grand Cru Classé," but "Saint-Émilion Grand Cru." This decision gives the team the freedom to express the legendary terroir in their own unique way. The result: a new project in an extremely limited edition.

Produced on just 0.5 hectares of historic terroir, this Chardonnay exemplifies how tradition and innovation come together in one exceptional cuvée.

A unique terroir in Saint-Émilion

The Chardonnay is planted on the southern slopes of Saint-Émilion, in the lieu-dit "Le Palat." The clay-limestone soil imparts tension, minerality, and finesse. This terroir, normally reserved for great red wines, proves surprisingly suitable for giving Chardonnay a completely new character. This makes the wine a true rarity in Bordeaux, where white wines represent only a fraction of the production.

Sustainable and biodynamic vineyard approach

The vineyard is managed according to agroecological principles and is HVE3 certified. Vegetation cover and biodynamic monitoring contribute to the vitality of the soil and the quality of the grapes. All grapes are harvested by hand and carefully brought to the cellar in small crates to preserve the delicate aromatic balance.

Vinification and maturation

The Chardonnay is vinified partly in oak barrels from renowned tonneliers like Stockinger and Damy, and partly in innovative wine globes (Wineglobes). The combination of new oak barrels and controlled malolactic fermentation (half-in, half-out) gives the wine tension, richness, and elegance. The result is a subtle interplay of freshness, texture, and depth.

Episode II and Episode III are not vintage wines in the traditional sense. They are blended from several consecutive harvests (2021, 2022, and 2023), with the aim of expressing the unique character of this terroir as purely as possible.

Tasting notes for the G de la Gaffelière Chardonnay

In the glass, the wine displays a pale gold color with greenish reflections. The bouquet opens with fresh notes of citrus, green apple, and white blossom, complemented by subtle hints of hazelnut, vanilla, and a light touch of smoke. On the palate, the wine is creamy and layered, yet with a mineral backbone that creates tension and length. The interplay of power and finesse makes this wine a unique experience that continues to develop with air and time.

Exclusivity and circulation

Only 1,030 bottles and 90 magnums of this exceptional Chardonnay are produced, making G de la Gaffelière one of Bordeaux's most exclusive wines. Production is so limited that each bottle is a collector's item. For those who manage to snag a magnum, this size not only offers a festive presentation but also ensures longer and more beautiful aging.

Would you like to order wines from Château La Gaffelière online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings with G de la Gaffelière Chardonnay

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a variety of refined dishes. Here are some suggestions to enhance the wine's depth and elegance:

• Grilled sea bass with lemon butter and fresh herbs – the minerality of the wine accentuates the freshness of the fish.
• Lobster Thermidor – the creamy sauce complements the rich texture of the wine perfectly.
• Mushroom and Parmesan risotto – the earthy notes and creaminess harmonize with the wine.
• Grilled veal cutlet with sage and creamy polenta – the wine's structure enhances the dish's full flavors.
• Sushi and sashimi – the clean acidity and minerality provide a refreshing balance with raw fish.
• Pan-fried scallops with a beurre blanc sauce – the subtle vanilla notes from the aging combine beautifully with the buttery sauce.