1986 Gloria

Gloria has graced many tables in America and, of course, the de facto ascendancy of this Cru Bourgeois to the quality of a classified growth was a lifelong ambition of proprietor Henri Martin. The 1986 has as much structure as any Gloria in the last 15 years, a deep ruby color, and plenty of tannin, but I had to ask myself if it really, in fact, had as much fruit as it needed to balance out the hard tannins in the wine. This should certainly be a very fine Gloria, but it will need at least 5-6 years to soften, unusual for a wine from this property. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002. Last tasted, 10/90. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com

Robert Parker    Score: 86/100