It is important for any good enthusiast to know how to navigate the complicated patchwork of appellations, or rather AOCs, in France. In this case we are dealing with a wine from the Saint-Émilion region, on the so-called "rive droite" of Bordeaux. The soils here are especially ideal for growing large Merlots, which in fact generally make up the bulk of the blend of each wine. Specifically, the grapes used for this Château La Gaffelière red come from a vineyard classified Grand Cru, a guarantee of absolute quality. A vineyard that has the distinction of being enclosed within a fence wall, the so-called "Clos." Merlot for 90 percent and Cabernet Sauvignon for the remainder, the grapes come from vineyards located on a plateau, with soils rich in limestone and clay. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. A pleasant and balanced wine, it is certainly a red capable of evolving with the passage of time. It is the bottle to keep on hand at all times when the menu is meat-based.