| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2010 Gloria is an ass-kicking, fabulous value once again from this estate, which would probably be classified if the 1855 hierarchy of the wines of the Medoc were ever done again. Abundant notes of cedar wood, fruitcake, flowers, creme de cassis and kirsch are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, dense, dark ruby/purple wine. It is slightly more restrained than the flamboyant 2009, but equal in quality. This is a juicy, well-proportioned, sensationally concentrated, super-ripe Gloria to drink over the next decades. Of course, it is a sleeper of the vintage, given the reasonable price it normally sells for
The 2010 Gloria has a very attractive and quite intense bouquet with a surfeit of blackberry and wild strawberry scents, cedar and light seaweed coming through with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with supple but firm tannins framing the pure blackberry and bilberry fruit, laced with black pepper and clove. Very complex, very focused and very precise on the finish, this is an outstanding 2010 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. 2025-2055
A little coarse, with chewy tannins, but velvety in texture. Full body, with plenty of fruit and bright acidity. Raw but interesting.
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Gloria features notions of cedar, sandalwood and dusty earth with a core of black cherry compote and black berry pie plus wafts of tapenade, truffles and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and lively acid with emboldened flavors and an earth-laced finish. Drink 2020-2045.
Neat, fun, easy to like even if without massive reserves for the future. Neat finish. 13.5%
Drink 2018 – 2032
This Chateau was created in the 1950's by the late Henri Martin who was also the regisseur of Chateau Latour. Consequently it does not appear in the 1855 classification but surely would if it were ever updated. Quality has improved massively in the last few years and this is a top St Julien performer these days. 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 26% Merlot. 40% new oak. Sweet, ripe nose. On the palate it is quite chewy and dense with mocha and cassis flavours. Solid and intense with a nice touch of spice. Good St Julien.
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!
