Gloria 2010

Neat, fun, easy to like even if without massive reserves for the future. Neat finish. 13.5%Drink 2018 – 2032

Both nose and palate are firm red fruited and rather closed down. The palate has a mix of freshness and sweetness with the firmness of the tannins becoming very apparent and holding back the fruit towards the finish. It seems to be lacking fruit richness and charm.

Deep cassis fruit, already a fragrant and lifted nose, refreshing Cabernet flavours and good length, the quality of a Cru Classé. Drink 2017-28.

A sensational effort, the 2010 Gloria may turn out to be the finest wine they have made since 1982, although the 2009 is a serious contender for that honor as well. A bigger than life as well as more backward than normal offering, the 2010 exhibits an inky/purple color along with an opulent display of black currants, jammy cherries, licorice, cedar and roasted herbs. Some serious tannin gives the wine grip, but this is a full-bodied, big, thick, well-proportioned, super-endowed Gloria that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for two decades.

Tasted at a negociant, the Gloria '10 has a well-defined bouquet, very precise with ripe blackberry, raspberry, cedar and graphite. Good intensity, very crisp and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins, very good acidity, reserved and focused with a very powerful finish of blackberry, graphite and tobacco. Long in the mouth, this is a great Gloria for long-term ageing. Tasted April 2011.

Tasted 5 Apr: Very dense crimson. Tobacco and leather and very serious stuff. Dense and rich and sweet on the palate after a more classically styled St-Julien nose. Very appealing even if a little more astringent than a top St-Julien. Tasted blind 8 Apr: Dark and rich and very upright. Beautifully balanced, dry and cool without being austere of drying. The fruit is succulent and yet the framework is there. Very luscious indeed but very 2010. Very firm mineral finish. Long. Bravo!