Chateau Gloria (Futures Pre-sale) 2009

"Rich and decadent on the nose, with exotic fruits, spices and incense. Full body, with so much wonderful chocolate, fruit and velvety tannins. It's a joy to taste now, but will give even more pleasure in years to come. Best ever from here and one of the best values of the vintage. Try after 2018. "

94 Points

James Suckling

"Gloria has long been one of the most popular wines in America, but I do not believe they have ever made better wines than they have over the last decade, and the 2009 is one of their finest. While this estate is not a classified growth, it certainly performs like one in 2009. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by an expressive, flamboyant bouquet of black fruits, Christmas spices, licorice and roasted Provencal herbs. Fuller-bodied, more concentrated and extracted than most vintages with soft tannins, its low acidity and a sumptuous, plump style remind me of a modern day version of the 1982 (which is fully mature but still in great shape). The 2009 Gloria is a very smart purchase for those looking to maximize their buying power. In fact, this may be the value of the vintage."

93 Points

The Wine Advocate

"A serious young wine, crammed with plum cake, blackberry preserves, warm fig confiture and blueberry reduction flavors, all laced with briar and sweet, toasty spice notes and backed by a long, tarry finish. Has a rustic edge but lots of stuffing. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2025."

92 Points

Wine Spectator

"Smooth, open wine, the ripest fruit layered with soft tannins. It reveals all the opulent fruit of the year while offering medium-term pleasure."

90 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Bright red. Charming, fruity aromas of strawberry, raspberry and clove. Then surprisingly firm on entry, with stiff tannins providing backbone to the ripe red fruit and herbal flavors. The persistent finish features lingering white pepper and floral notes. This Gloria strikes me as a little less subtle than usual, and rather more Pauillac-like in style.
Barrel Sample: 87-90Points "

90 Points

International Wine Cellar