2015 Chateau Chapelle D’Alienor by Gaffeliere Bordeaux Superieur 750 ml

Possibly Our Value Bordeaux of the Year

We can’t remember the last time we came across an under-$20 Bordeaux with this much pedigree. Where to begin? The 2015 Château Chapelle D’Aliénor Bordeaux Supérieur is produced by the owners of Château La-Gaffelière, the Malet Roqueforts, a noble family that has been producing wine in the region since 1705.  While their Premier Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion estate that has garnered impressive 94-97+ scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, the Chapelle D’Aliénor, made by the same team, is a fraction of the price. Crafted by winemaker Claude Gros, whose wines have been called “singular, world class efforts” by the Advocate and have earned many coveted 95- to 99-point raves. Grown on the Right Bank, from gravelly, clay-limestone soils much like those found in Pomerol, the 2015 Chapelle D’Aliénor wears its pedigree on its sleeve—exuberant black plum and cherry aromas meet cedar and clove, while a silky, seductive core offers pure, persistent pleasure. $15.99 per bottle when you lock into a case, which we strongly encourage.

In 2015, a vintage Wine Advocate called “extraordinary” and “outstanding” in Bordeaux, La-Gaffelière shined bright, earning a 94+ score from Parker and 97-point rave from Galloni. However the greatest value in their portfolio was to be found at Chapelle D’Alienor. The combination of 40+ year old vines, perfect sun-exposure on the hillside property, ideal vintage, and an expert winemaking team created a wine that truly punches above its weight class.

The team from La-Gaffelière and consulting winemaker Claude Gros combined talents to produce an extraordinarily delicious offering, which James Suckling hailed “round tannins and a delicious finish,” capping off his review with a simple question: “Why wait?”  

Exactly our sentiments. This is one of the best bargain Bordeaux reds we’ve come across all year, and is wholly in the running for our 2018 Value of the Year award.