| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This château was created in the 1950s by the late Henri Martin who was also the regisseur of Château Latour. Consequently it does not appear in the 1855 classification but surely would if it were ever updated. Along with big brother Saint Pierre, the quality here has improved massively in the last few years and this is a top St Julien performer these days. There are 50 hectares of vines which are planted 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Usually St Julien's best value.
Charming and extroverted, the 2021 Gloria bursts with aromas of cassis, cherries, sweet berries, fresh mint and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's a lively, seamless wine that wears its heart on its sleeve. This blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc seems likely to emerge as a sleeper of the vintage. Tasted four times.
The 2021 Gloria is the first vintage where the vineyard farming has moved to organic viticulture (though there are no plans for certification.) It was picked from September 27 to October 9, stopping for 5 days between the Merlot and Cabernets, with a large percentage (14%) of Petit Verdot from a massal selection. It has a very pure and perfumed nose thanks to the contribution of the Petit Verdot. The palate is medium-bodied and quite dense for the vintage, displaying fine body and weight, gentle grip and a touch of graphite toward the finish. Very fine.
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc. The yield was normal despite this being the first year of conversion to organic farming. Bright ruby colour. Sweet and savoury combine on the nose which is full of red fruit, green spices, earthy tones and smoke. The palate is compact with balanced proportions that offer effortless elegance. Cool, savoury and zippy in acidity, the structure is a background note that allows the bright core to shine. This is not a wine for the long-term but it will offer drinking pleasure from a fairly early stage in a well-managed, refreshing style.
I like the firmness and polish to this, with medium body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. Racy and refined.
Always a wine that manages to find itself on the right side of ripe, and the right side of exuberant and even in 2021 you will recognise those two skills here. This is bright, cheerful, carefully placed, enjoyable stuff with liqourice and bitter chocolate, First year organic, Jean Michel Comme consultant. Harvest September 27 to October 9.
Cask sample. Lacks the density of top years but fruit present and tannins finely honed. A well-crafted, medium-bodied wine with attractive fruit and some persistence on the finish. (JL)
Drink 2026 – 2036
