Gloria 2005

Came 51st out of 184 wines

One of the finest Glorias I have ever tasted, the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 reveals a big, sweet perfume of black olives, black cherries, cassis, spice box, and cedar. Boasting terrific fruit, medium to full body, and more power and richness than usual, it will provide delicious drinking during its first two decades of life.

As usual, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2005 Gloria is a model of the fruit-driven, minimally-oaked style of Bordeaux winemaking. It reveals a broader structure and more density and delineation than usual along with tremendous ripeness, sweet fruit, and moderate tannin. This hedonistic St.-Julien will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and last for 12-15.

This shows a lovely silky texture and ripe fruit ranging from plums to chocolate to toasted oak. Full-bodied, with velvety tannis and a long, rich finish. Juicy young red. Very close to 92-94

Mid crimson. Fresh, intense nose with real life. Nothing dragged down by density here. Very well put together. Great balance even if a little more forward than many. Dry rather than sweet in terms of total expression. 13%Drink 2017-2030

Quite toasty and developed on the nose. Forward and easy - perhaps not the most ambitious but a nicely balanced drink with just a hint of dark chocolate. This was the group favourite

Very dark crimson. Gassy and youthful on the nose. Sweet and slightly floral. Exuberant, not especially subtle, but a big galumphing mouthful of ripe fruit. Drink 2014-22