Chateau Gloria Saint Julien 2018

Chateau Gloria, Saint Julien, Bordeaux, France, 2018  

Grapes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, manual harvesting, vinified in stainless steel tanks with 14 months ageing in oak barrels.

Created by Henri Martin, this 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. Chateau Gloria, itself, didn't exist in 1855, so has not been classified. The origin of the terroirs and the painstaking growing and vinification techniques are the reasons why its quality is recognised worldwide.

"Black core with crimson rim. Wonderfully pure and intense cassis aroma, fragrant but not sweet. Upright, bone-dry, super-fine tannins. Even though this is so embryonic still, at the core is juicy, lively fruit, the dry and firm tannins kept in balance by that fruit. Tannins add to the freshness. Long finish. (JH)"

17/20 points, Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, October 2020

"The 2018 Gloria is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged for approximately 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant notes of kirsch, black raspberries and cassis, plus hints of potpourri, unsmoked cigars and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a good amount of juicy black and red fruit flavors, backed up by slightly chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing spicy."

92/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, March 2021