Gloria 2006

As I wrote last year, this sensational sleeper of the vintage is not far off the pace of Gloria's brilliant 2005. Sweet cedary, cigar box, roasted herb, and black currant fruit aromas are followed by a lush, full-bodied, textured, concentrated wine. A steal in today's marketplace, this is a gorgeous St.-Julien to enjoy now and over the next 15+ years. Good value.

Lots of rich fruit, with fresh plum, coffee and berry character. Full-bodied, with tannins that build on your palate and follow through. Well structured. The best Gloria in a long time.

Thick and shiny and pointu - a bit harsh though it is trying desperately to cover this up. A bit gawky. Short.

Good full ruby. Riper aromas of currant and lead pencil. Sappy, vinous and penetrating, with good cut to the juicy currant and licorice flavors. There's actually as much tannin in the 2007, says technical director di Costanzo, but this wine comes across as more powerful, if not a bit

Gloria has been producing terrific wines over recent vintages. The 2006 is a slightly more structured effort than the fleshy 2005, but it offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as loads of black cherry and currant fruit interwoven with notes of cedar, herbs, and spice. A major sleeper of the vintage, it is dense, rich, and surprisingly opulent with admirable fruit purity and an enticing texture. It should drink well young, yet evolve for 15+ years.