Château Gloria Saint Julien 2020
- we94
- ws93
- jd93
- wa92
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château Gloria |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux |
Other vintages
Created by Henri Martin, the Gloria estate is unique in having been built up piece by piece over several years through the purchase of parcels, the majority of which were classified as “grands crus” in 1855. The origin of the terroirs and the painstaking growing and vinification techniques are the reasons why its quality is recognized worldwide. Henri Martin’s lifetime achievement was no doubt the creation of Château Gloria. Row by row of vines, parcel by parcel, he patiently and systematically negotiated with his owner friends in the commune of Saint-Julien to buy these various “cru classé” parcels superbly situated on Günzian gravel, which were to eventually make up the Château Gloria estate.
The plan came to fruition in the 1970s, with an estate covering 44 hectares, mostly made up of “cru classé” terroirs, some of them being among the most prestigious. 6 hectares have since been added. So why isn’t the Château a “cru classé”? The answer is simple: it didn’t exist at the time of the 1855 classification. This Saint-Julien Château nevertheless lives up to its name, alluding to glory and success, but also faith: the faith of a man of our time who managed to “invent” a new “cru” and bring it up to the highest level of recognition.
Planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the Gloria estate's vines are very old, averaging close to 50 years, and the wine's wonderfully supple, focused red fruit style is a real crowd-pleaser. Parker considers it a 'gloriously exuberant, delicious St.-Julien that shrewd merchants and consumers seek out.' This is a House Favorite for its value and classic Saint Julien style.
Wine Enthusiast
- we94
93-95. Barrel Sample. Under the same ownership as neighboring Château 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.
Wine Spectator
- ws93
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. One for the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2038.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd93
Just about a perennial must-buy, the 2020 Château Gloria is another terrific vintage for this Saint-Julien château, which always seems to turn out a fabulous wine that sells for a great price. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as impressive aromatics of ripe blackcurrants, plums, camphor, smoked tobacco, and gravelly earth, it's a wine that blossoms with time in the glass. (I followed this bottle for multiple days.) Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has beautifully polished tannins, outstanding balance, and the more focused style of the vintage. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Wine Advocate
- wa92
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.
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wa91Wine Advocate
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ws91Wine Spectator
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st91International Wine Cellar
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we91Wine Enthusiast
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js91James Suckling
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bs91Bottle Shop
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bh91Burghound
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agv91Vinous
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tp91The Tasting Panel
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jd91Jeb Dunnuck
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