Gloria is an unclassified and relatively young estate, but renowned for producing wines that stand up to many of their more ancient and storied peers.
It is often regarded as one of, if not the, best-value wine of St-Julien. The vineyard holdings include a small section of fruit grown in Pauillac, which are allowed to be added to the final blend by special dispensation.
Original owner Henri Martin later purchased the classified Fourth Growth Ch. Saint Pierre, for which the wines are made on-site at Gloria, by the same technical team. Gloria is now run by Martin’s son in law, Jean Louis Triaud.
Major renovations of the cellars and facilities were completed in 2016.
"A firm, chewy red with blackberries, earth and hints of chocolate. It’s full-bodied and very structured. Better than the 2018."
94-95 Points, JamesSuckling.com
"Another winning velvety texture out of St Julien. You can trace the warmth and generosity of the vintage in the concentration and the ripeness of these blackberry and raspberry fruits but it is so seductive and carefully balanced with a core of freshness and a ton of crushed stone, black chocolate and baked earth adding layers and interest. This should be good value and is a definite buy. So much character and personality, right up there with the best vintages of this property. 40% new oak, 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Drinking Window 2026 - 2042"
94 Points, Decanter
"The 2019 Gloria continues a strong run of form - those rustic Glorias of the 1970s and 1980s are a distant memory. This has a precise and detailed bouquet that offers blackberry, briary, cedar and light tobacco aromas that gently unfurl in the glass. The palate is very well structured with a lovely citric undercurrent lending freshness and sharpness. This is a nimble Saint-Julien, athletic in build with a sapid finish that urges you back for another sip. Excellent."
93-95 Points, Vinous
"Deep crimson. Fresh blackcurrant roasted chestnut sesame aromas with aniseed notes. Well concentrated palate with blackcurrant, roasted chestnut, vanilla notes, fine cedar textures and attractive mineral length. Buoyant and crisp."
92-94 Points, Langton's
Small but mighty, the appellation of St.-Julien, on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, has long enjoyed a reputation for exceptional quality and consistency. Compared to its neighbours in Bordeaux, St.-Julien produces the highest proportion of classified-growth wines, with more than three-quarters of the vineyards devoted to top-ranked producers. They include several “Super Second” chateaux and many other outstanding classified growths and Cru Bourgeois. Saint-Julien wines are beautifully balanced, with a great richness, depth of colour, and elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon prevails, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc used for blending in the classic Bordeaux style.
