2020 vintage. Another excellent Gloria. While it may not have the intensity and depth of the extraordinary 2016, there is a lot to like here. Blackcurrant, blueberries, blackberries, cedar wood, graphite, and the most subtle hint of vanilla jump out of the glass. In the mouth it has a light feel about it , even if it features concentrated black fruit due to the freshness that characterises this wonderful vintage. Purity, balance and elegance are key here while maintaining classic Saint-Julien power. Definitely of Grand Cru Classé quality. This estate is on a hot streak and still affordable. Highly recommended. Abv. 13,5% . — 2 years ago
Nose is wood, leather and hint of stone fruit. Taste is pepper, leather and oak. Not picking up much fruit maybe black cherries. Finish is dry oak. This one has been in the wine fridge for probably 4 years. — 3 years ago
Cherry and black pepper on the nose, with a hint of menthol (eucalyptus). More spice than fruit. And OMG. Gorgeous! Not sure if the alcohol content , but it seems higher. Fully flavored, silky mouth feel. More of the cherry with raisin, and again lots of spice. A winner!
After breathing a bit, getting strawberries and some cedar on the palate, along with the aforementioned cherry and black pepper. This is almost 15% alcohol, and it shows. I feel that the alcohol content competes with the luscious flavors, and would have been much better with lower alcohol, but California winemakers love their powerhouse wines. — 9 months ago
This is a delicious, if not the most complex, Grenache. Very fruity nose has plummy, kirschy rhubarb, and a wee bit of stony minerality. Intense and soft in the mouth. Super-fine tannins add some structure but noticeable alcohol detracts a bit. Very nice with food. — 6 months ago
After pop-n-pour: not giving much. Clenched, reticent.
After two hours this is still tight, but starting to show blackberries, black cherries, smoke, cedar and ink.
Approachable, better to wait a few more years and let it turn into something beautiful. — 3 years ago
Alessandro Dalle Carbonare
The terroir here played a key role.
Super fragrant with a nice body weight. Freshly picked black and blue berries. Not overly extracted. Simply equilibrated.
Finishing with a green herby bitterness which is actually very nice and pleasant. — 4 days ago