2016 Château Gloria, St-Julien

This property is unclassified, but only because of the late date at which its first vineyards were acquired (1942), obviously much more recent than the establishment of the Grands Crus Classés of the Médoc in 1855. But the quality is regarded by many, or even most, critics as being at a Cru Classé level. The 2016 millesime is a very complex wine that shows a clear deep garnet in the glass; the nose is clean with pronounced intensity; dry with high acidity and medium+ tannin; alcohol is medium at 13.5 but feels a little “hot;” full body and pronounced intensity; finish medium+ in length. Aromas and flavors include cassis, vanilla, freshly cut wood, cedar, cola, tart and bing cherry. Initially I ranked this at 94 points because of its great complexity, but because the wine presented as a bit harsh and unbalanced on the palate I think 91-92 is a more appropriate score. Nonetheless a very enjoyable and beguiling wine.