Château Gloria - Saint-Julien 2019

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Superbly situated in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle and surrounded by noble peers, Château Gloria is now owned by Jean-Louis Triaud and his wife, the daughter of Henri Martin, its “founder” (just like Château Saint-Pierre). This estate has now fully regained its former glory. Gloria’s wines feature pure fruit and a supple structure, with exceptionally refined tannins. They are true classics of the appellation.

Decanter

About the wine:

A nose that is so deep and concentrated, brimming with ripe blackcurrants and black cherries. Great intensity and concentration on the palate, with hints of dark spices, licorice, black pepper, and cinnamon on the edges, all accompanied by layers of juicy, succulent ripe fruit. Without a doubt, a full-bodied and bold wine. There’s real power here, yet it remains elegant and energetic. If you enjoy a gourmet style, this one is excellent. Best enjoyed between 2024 and 2039.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Typical of Saint-Julien, this wine immediately reveals its assertive character through the depth of its color and its fresh, complex bouquet of licorice, mocha, and black fruits. While the attack is supple, the palate soon reveals a full-bodied, rich, and succulent structure, supported by very elegant tannins and a lovely freshness that extends the finish. 2027–2035

About the estate:

This estate, which today spans 50 hectares, was built from the ground up starting in 1942 by one of the region’s leading figures, Henri Martin, who for years acquired plots from Grand Cru Classé vineyards in the heart of Beychevelle, as well as to the west and north of the appellation. His daughter Françoise and her husband Jean-Louis Triaud, who managed Gloria and the entire Domaines Martin estate, handed over control of their properties to their son Jean in 2016.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

After a 2018 vintage that we perceived as a renewed pursuit of elegance, 2019 confirms this trend with a Gloria that is full of charm, flavor, and balance. The structure is refined, the preserved, juicy fruit is delightful, and we find that smoothness so characteristic of this vintage.

About the estate:

Patiently assembled, plot by plot, in the second half of the 20th century by Henri Martin, Gloria is one of the leading unclassified wines of the Médoc. This reputation is well-deserved, as evidenced by the latest vintages. Always full-bodied, colorful, and concentrated, the wine has rarely disappointed over the past decade. It ages harmoniously, but those in a hurry can enjoy it as early as five years after bottling.

Wine Enthusiast

Vinous

About the wine:

Gloria 2019 boasts an irresistible nose: black fruit, crushed stone, tobacco, and very subtle marine notes, all beautifully integrated. This may be the most precise and well-defined nose among an impressive range of Saint-Julien wines this year. The palate is medium-bodied and opens with liveliness. A hint of soy permeates the black fruit. The finish is refined and wonderfully savory. Extraordinary length. Serious. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2027–2060

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of sweet berries, cherries, and violets, followed by a medium- to full-bodied palate with creamy, linear tannins and a long, savory finish. Tight and well-structured. Best enjoyed after 2027.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Château Gloria 2019 presents itself beautifully, embodying the vintage’s refined, pure, and elegant style, with a deeper ruby-purple hue and superb aromas of blackcurrant and blueberries, complemented by notes of smoked tobacco, cedar, damp earth, and flowers. I love its purity. It is a quintessential Saint-Julien. Medium-bodied to full-bodied and complex, it can be enjoyed now or cellared for a good twenty years. A must-buy for wine lovers! 2022–2042

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The nose is concentrated on fresh blackcurrant, hinting at substantial body. The attack is lively right from the start; the acidity drives this wine, yet it has plenty of substance. The blackcurrant notes linger, accompanied by hints of mocha and blood oranges. A classic, delightful Gloria...