An excellent effort, the 2011 Gloria continues the success this well-known property has enjoyed over the last several decades. A delicious concoction of red and black fruits, spice box, and earth as well as a silky textured, medium-bodied style emerge from this is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage. The round tannins, delicious fruit and forward character suggest it should be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years. 88 points

Garnet hue. Nose of fruit. Soft delicate pulp on the fruity mid-weight palate laced with well-coated tannins. Average length. I expected it to be more tightly-knit and powerful. 86 points

A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot picked between 15th to 29th September and aged in 40% new oak, the Gloria 2011 has an intense bouquet of red and black fruit mixed with a ferrous scent that emerges only with 5-7 minutes aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins. It is a little pinched at the moment although it should blossom during its élevage as there is certainly good substance on the linear finish that exhibits a gentle grip. Fine 90-92 points

Jean-Louis Triaud reckons his 2011 is not far behind the quality of his 2009 and 2010 releases and I think he’s right. Deeply coloured and very concentrated, with dense, textured tannins, smoky oak and sweet blackberry and liquorice notes that wouldn’t look out of place in a Syrah, this is more structured than Gloria often is. 10+ years. 94 points