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2007, 2006 and 2005 Bordeaux (May 2008)

Red-ruby. Leather, mocha and a whiff of game on the nose; less pure and expressive today than the 2006. Big and rich but not particularly fruity. Presents a somewhat awkward combination of impressive volume and leafy cabernet. Finishes with tough, somewhat rustic tannins.

Bordeaux 2009: The Best Ever? (May 2010)

(a blend of 61% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot; 13.6 % alcohol; pH 3.72; 78 IPT; 40% new oak) 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…

A Test Of Greatness: 2009 Bordeaux Ten Years On (March 2019)

The 2009 Gloria has a well defined, classic Saint-Julien bouquet with blackberry, forest floor, cedar and hints of mint coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. Not unlike Branaire-Ducru in style but with just a little more heft towards the grippy finish. This is a Gloria that I would broach over…

A Test Of Greatness: 2009 Bordeaux Ten Years On (March 2019)

The 2009 Gloria is tightly wound on the nose with lifted blackberry, bilberry, brine and crushed stone aromas – very nicely focused with real vigour and vibrancy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain but assertive tannin that frame the layers of toasty black fruit laced with brown spices and white pepper. There is real…

2015 Barolo…The Bigger Picture (Feb 2019)

Sandrone’s 2015 Barolo Aleste is a total stunner. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and spice are all beautifully framed by ripe, silky tannins. Creamy, resonant and super-expressive, the 2015 Aleste hits all the right notes. Next to Le Vigne, Aleste is more typical of what readers might expect from a warm year. It is…

2014 Bordeaux: A September Surprise (Feb 2017)

The 2014 Gloria is a bold, powerful wine. Dark cherry, smoke, licorice, tobacco and underbrush effortlessly fill out its frame. Ample and richly textured, the 2014 offers remarkable depth, power and pure pedigree. Pomegranate, blood orange and iron add further complexity on the finish. This is a superb showing. Tasted two times.