Château Gloria 1996

Harmonious and balanced. Good dark color, with lovely berry and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, silky and caressing finish. Not quite as good as I remember, but very good indeed. Best after 2000. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Looks pretty mature. Light, evolved nose. Ready! In fact drying out. Hint of toastiness but no great intensity of fruit. (JR)

97: Deep violet. Intense, blueberry-driven bouquet, direct and very clean. On the palate, as always, very traditional, with animal notes, tannins that are still rather firm and angular, and a strong astringency. A Saint-Julien classic that is probably underestimated by many. 17/20 2004 – 2020

Alcoholic bouquet with red berry notes. Dry palate. 15/20

Ruby red with light edges. A classic nose marked by spicy, earthy and fruity notes. Hints of undergrowth, red roots and prunes. On the palate, the wine shows plenty of vigor. It has muscle, still a bit of flesh, and good aromatic intensity.

The 1996 Gloria has a leathery nose, slightly Asian-influenced with hints of hoisin and oxtail. Perhaps there is a bit of Brett here? The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and fine acidity, structured and ferrous in style. Fresher than the 1986, this concludes with a short, off-dry, peppery finish. Drink now.