The 2012 is a successful effort once again from Château Gloria, a property that has been on a major qualitative roll for decades. Dense ruby/purple in color, it has sweet, juicy, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, no real evidence of any oak, but a fleshy, open-knit, meaty mouthfeel. Excellent purity, low acidity and ripe tannin all characterize this beautiful wine, which should drink well for 12-15 years. Another major sleeper of the vintage.
Drink: 2015 - 2030
The Gloria 2012 is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot raised in 40% new oak and cropped just a little higher than the Saint Pierre. It has a strong graphite-infused, earthy bouquet that does not possess the same fruit concentration as the Saint Pierre. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly dry tannins. There is decent fruit concentration here although the finish does not quite have the complexity of great successes in recent vintages. This will be an earlier-drinking, serviceable Gloria, although this year I prefer the Saint Pierre. Tasted April 2013.
Very dark purple. Mineral and fresh on the nose - quite a contrast to the flight of Haut-Médoc wines I have just been tasting. Real vitality here. Lots of dryness on the finish but no aggressive underripeness or greenness. Very zesty. Bone dry.
The ripeness of the black fruited mix on the nose fills it out and gives a rich start to the palate. There is mid freshness but towards the back coffee beans and liquorice enriches give depth of flavour on the finish. 2018-30
Another winner from this estate, which has been on a hot streak over recent vintages, the 2012 Gloria is unquestionably of classified growth quality. It offers a dark ruby/purple color, attractive, elegant, herbaceously-tinged black currant fruit, soft tannins, a satisfying, fleshy mouthfeel, a good mid-palate and ripe tannin in the finish. I would not be surprised to see it evolve for 10-12+ years.
