Château Gloria - Saint-Julien 2020

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:

Aromas of tobacco, dark chocolate, and fragrant flowers—a magnificent bouquet. Ripe, concentrated fruit, yet clear and precise, accompanied by savory notes of coffee, cola, and creamy blackcurrant. The tannins are rich and firm, edged with licorice and a salty minerality that gives this wine its Saint-Julien character. Charming, energetic, and balanced. 2030–2050

Guide Hachette des vins

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:

Following a very charming and elegant 2019, the 2020 is a bit more complex and even more precise and impressive in its balance. An admirable wine, full of charm and noble tannins. One to confidently add to your cellar.

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 2020 is another Saint-Julien with a decidedly old-school nose, yet one that displays remarkable precision and superb minerality. It’s simply tight for now. Very harmonious on the palate, it’s medium-bodied and silky, with savory black fruit and an early finish that’s beautifully controlled and lingering. Exceptional. Tasted blind at the annual Southworld tasting. 2030–2065

James Suckling

About the wine:

This wine is balanced and elegant, with notes of dark chocolate, crushed nuts, black pepper, blackberries, and blackcurrants. It is medium-bodied, with silky tannins and aromas of fresh black fruit. Very classy. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The nose is very inviting, with notes of milk chocolate and blueberry pie. True to the winery’s style, Gloria 2020 offers a very smooth, rich, and seductive wine, with a superb finish marked by a lovely sweetness. It’s a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for the future.