Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien Red, 750ml, Bordeaux, France
Estate
This Chateau was created in the 1950's by the late Henri Martin who was also the regisseur of Chateau Latour. Consequently it does not appear in the 1855 classification but surely would, if it were ever updated. Along with big brother Saint Pierre, the quality here has improved massively in the last few years and this is a top St Julien performer these days. 50 hectares of vines which are planted 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Usually St Julien's best value. The 2018 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot with elevage in 40% new oak.
History
Exceptional and unique estate created by Henri Martin, this vineyard was indeed gradually put together piece-by-piece thanks to the purchase of several plots from mainly classified Growths in 1855. Today, the origin of the terroirs, the care given during the growing and the vinification explain the quality of this wine that is now famous worldwide.
APPELLATION: Saint-Julien
VINEYARD: 40 years old vines on average situated over 3 zones: in the centre of Beychevelle, in the West and North of the appellation.
NATURE OF SOIL: Gunzian gravel on a clayey-sandy subsoil
VINIFICATION: Traditional method in stainless steel vats with thermoregulation
AGEING: 14 months in casks, an average 40% of which are replaced. 45% of new barrels
Country of Origin:
France
Region / Appelation / Cru:
Bordeaux / Medoc / Saint-Julien
Certification:
AOC (Appellation D'Origine Controlee). Not part of the 1855 Classification
Grape Varieties:
2019 Vintage Blend:
6% Cabernet Franc
55% Cabernet Sauvignon
34% Merlot
5% Petit Verdot2020 Vintage Blend
4% Cabernet Franc
50% Cabernet Sauvignon
35% Merlot
11% Petit Verdot2022 Vintage Blend:
6% Cabernet Franc
50% Cabernet Sauvignon
35% Merlot
9% Petit VerdotAlcohol:
14%
Producer:
Chateau Gloria
Ratings:
Vintage 2019:
James Suckling: 94pts;
Sweet berry and cherry aromas with violets, following through to a medium to full body with creamy, linear tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Tight and curated, in a structured way.
by James Suckling, JS, 2022.
Vinous Media: 94pts;
The 2019 Gloria personifies classic Saint-Julien, offering blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and tobacco scents, maybe a little conservative in style, but unashamed about that. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite firm tannins. Fresh and saline, this gets the saliva going with a precise, persistent finish and leaves hints of graphite on the aftertaste. Excellent.
by Vinous Media, NM, 2021.
Wine Advocate: 93pts:
The 2019 Gloria has turned out very well, delivering aromas of blackcurrants, plums, burning embers and a deft framing of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and nicely concentrated, with a vibrant core of ripe and fleshy fruit, lively acids and powdery structuring tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully firm finish, this shows considerable promise.
by Wine Advocate, WK, 2022.
Wines Spectator: 94pts
Rock-solid, with a mouthwatering roasted apple wood and mesquite frame around a well-layered core of black currant, blackberry and plum fruit flavors. The finish features dots of tobacco and tar that add range, but the real driver is a long bolt of iron, which gives this a throwback feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
by Wine Spectator, JM, 2022.
Vintage 2020:
James Suckling: 94pts:
This is poised and elegant with notes of bitter chocolate, crushed walnuts, black peppercorns, blackberries and blackcurrants. It's medium-bodied with silky tannins and layers of fresh black fruit. Classy.
by James Suckling, JS, 2023.
Wine Enthusiast: 94pts:
Under the same ownership as neighboring Chateau Saint-Pierre, this estate produced a fine, stylish wine that will develop well. The outlines are already there with spice and black currant fruits underling the tannic structure.
by Wine Enthusiast, RV, 2021.
Wine Advocate: 92pts:
Rich, generous and demonstrative, the 2020 Gloria bursts with aromas of cherries, sweet berries, plum liqueur and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and generous, it will offer a broad drinking window.
by Wine Advocate, WK, 2023.
Wines Spectator: 93pts
Youthfully taut and well-structured, with singed apple wood and licorice root notes holding a core of red currant, dark plum and blackberry fruit in check for now. Reveals a nice racy graphite underpinning on the finish.
by Wine Spectator, JM, 2022.
Vintage 2022:
James Suckling: 96pts
Quite a scented and fresh Gloria with lovely fragrance and firmness. Nothing overstated this year, showing beautiful texture and restraint. This initial balance as well as sharp-etched tannins will give it the ability to age.
by James Suckling, ZS, 2025.
Vinous Media: 93pts;
The 2022 Gloria is bold, punchy and super-expressive. In this vintage, Gloria has a bit more mid-palate richness and overall heft than most years. Red fruit, blood orange, mocha, spice, new leather and cedar build as this showy Saint-Julien opens in the glass.
by Vinous Media, AG, 2025.
Wine Advocate: 93pts;
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Gloria bursts with aromas of cherries, sweet berries, petals and spices, framed by a deft touch of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a succulent, enveloping core of fruit and supple tannins, it's a gourmand but nicely balanced Saint-Julien that will offer a broad drinking window
by Wine Advocate, WK, 2023.
Wines Spectator: 93pts
A pretty violet note leads off before the core of kirsch, linzer torte and plum sauce starts to yawn awake. Licorice snap and bramble are injected into the finish, along with an apple wood accent. Shows grip and focus. For fans of the gutsy style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
by Wine Spectator, JM, 2025.
Food Pairing: