Château Gloria, St Julien, 2010
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Previously plagued with tainting problems, Gloria has cleaned up their act and has been producing sensational wines since 2005. Not part of the 1855 classification, this is a humble St Julien AOC so represents good value for money. Classic bouquet of cool berry fruit, graphite and flowers. Pretty and very composed, there is lots of substance here; cherry stone fruit, very fresh and beautifully balanced. A worthy rival to the 2009, and superior to many classified growths.
critic reviews
Deep rich ruby colour, brooding and a little closed on the nose, this is a great wine in both 2009 and 2010, which is not always the case, perhaps because the two vintages needed different skillsets. You can pick either vintage for Gloria though, and this one majors on crayon, campfire, violet flowers, grilled almonds, blackberry, damson and incense.
The 2010 Gloria has a very fresh and well-defined bouquet with blackberry, sous-bois and just a touch of tobacco/autumn bonfire. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, gentle grip with a cedar and truffle tinged finish that is focused, if not the more persistent Saint-Julien in the pack. Very fine. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.