| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Gloria has long been one of the most popular wines in America, but I do not believe they have ever made better wines than they have over the last decade, and the 2009 is one of their finest. While this estate is not a classified growth, it certainly performs like one in 2009. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by an expressive, flamboyant bouquet of black fruits, Christmas spices, licorice and roasted Provencal herbs. Fuller-bodied, more concentrated and extracted than most vintages with soft tannins, its low acidity and a sumptuous, plump style remind me of a modern day version of the 1982 (which is fully mature but still in great shape). The 2009 Gloria is a very smart purchase for those looking to maximize their buying power. In fact, this may be the value of the vintage.
Crushed blackberries and fresh herbs on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Solid core of everything here. Right up there with the 2005.
Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Savoury nose. Extremely opulent. A real charmer. The fruit almost swamps the considerable tannin. Very dramatic. Enough but not excessive freshness. QGV
Superb deep colour, seductively floral nose with wild violets, fresh, fleshy fruit with great depth and well-balanced length. Drink 2014-20.
Wonderful, velvety wine with a serious backbone and structure. Rich, classic and really enjoyable. It will thank you for being patient and keeping it in the cellar for a few years, but if you can't wait, make sure it's decanted an hour or so before you drink it.
Ripe and fleshy, generous yet balanced, this is a very attractive Médoc wine that's good to drink now or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)
There have been many great Glorias over the years as this property consistently over-performs. The 2009 may be the finest yet produced. Loaded with notes of Christmas fruitcake intermixed with red and black currants, licorice, spice box, and blackberries, this inky/purple-colored wine is atypically full-bodied with a viscous texture, and loads of tannin, extract, and richness. Deep and layered, it will offer thrilling sipping over the next 25+ years. (Bottles of the 1982 I own are fully mature, but are not close to falling apart.) (Tasted two times.) Drink 2010-2035.
Robert Parker added an asterisk to this wine score to signify that it is a wine he considers has the finest potential of all the offerings he has ever tasted from this estate in nearly 32 years of barrel tasting samples in Bordeaux.
Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London. This may well be the finest Gloria ever made. I love the purity and mineralité on the nose of this Gloria: so expressive and vibrant, immense clarity and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, suave and sophisticated with a wonderful composed, precise finish that lingers long in the mouth. Top class. Tasted October 2011.
Tasted at a negociant. To be brutally honest, I prefer the St. Pierre to the Gloria this year, although the latter is still a very impressive '09, more introverted at the moment: broody blackberry, cedar, black plum and a touch of crushed stone, but it does unwind temptingly with aeration. The palate shows its true potential: superb concentration with firm tannins, tarry black fruits; immense concentration without compensating on delineation and freshness. Perhaps even more persistency than St. Pierre towards the finish, this represents one of St. Julien's finest contributions to the vintage. Tasted March 2010.
Sweet and thick. Rather austere. Pure though. Just a tad rigid for the moment. Not as luscious at the moment as the 2007. Buy both [this and 07] and see how they develop? Drink 2016-2026
Full, rich and explosive on the nose. Very subtle and well balanced and gorgeous. Dry not drying finish. The zest of St-Julen with a hint of white pepper and clove. Nice wine! Date tasted 1st April 2010. Drink 2015-2023.
