Chateau Gloria Saint Julien VIneyards
During the war, in 1942, Henri Martin purchased 6 hectares of vines located in the Left Bank in the St. Julien appellation. The vines were previously the property of Chateau Beychevelle. Henri Martin made the purchase on the advice of his friend, Jean-Charles Cazes.
Cazes is the father of Jean Michel Cazes of Chateau Lynch Bages. That early purchase eventually grew into Chateau Gloria. It took time, but eventually they were able to cobble together a total of 48 hectares for the creation of Chateau Gloria.
Forty years after he founded Chateau Gloria, Henri Martin purchased his first Classified Growth, Chateau St. Pierre, also located in Saint Julien.
Who Manages Gloria Today?
2016 Bordeaux De Gloria
$19.99 Price Point! The vineyards on the left bank are made up of Gravel, Clay and Sand. The wine is comprised of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon which is typical for Left Bank Bordeaux and 30% Merlot and a dollop of Cabernet Franc. 12.5% ABV coming from a Stellar 2016 Vintage. Aged in French Oak some New. Let’s Review
My Review
As I have said before, I think the publications have it wrong with their recommendations of 2015 and 2016. They say 2015 HOLD and 2016 Drink Or Hold. I think it should be reversed. 2016 is a great vintage and although I am reviewing this wine right at the earliest recommended drinking window of 2020, it took 2 hours to aerate this wine and the 2015 took 25 minutes and was drinking perfect.
The color is dark ruby with very slight variation on the edge cause it is still a baby. Again this is not the famous Chateau GLORIA but it is made by the team at Chateau Gloria. The new wood settled down after 2 hours. On the nose lots of dark black currant, lavender and a dark morello cherry with new cedar and vanilla aromas from the new oak which will soften in a few years. On the palate typical Cabernet Sauvignon dominant bordeaux as the dark black currant takes the spotlight, spicy morello cherry from the merlot and finishing with decent tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and spice. I think the new wood is slightly overused. i wouldn’t run to get this wine but a solid 87 point under $20 bordeaux that needs more time. Food pairings with bolognese and pasta, filet or roast chicken and ashy bloomy rind cheeses such as Humbolt Fog or Morbier. Nice Value
My Summary
At under $20 a solid bordeaux effort from a stellar 2016 vintage to have around the house or perfect to age in the wine fridge for 5-7 years and let that new oak burn off and more fruit come out. Another proof of my point that a good producer from a good vintage you can’t go wrong. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this wine to palates that appreciate lower alcohol lower sugar bone dry wines. A good Red for many palates to discover affordable Bordeaux. Gloria, I think I have your number and it is 87 points out of 100
Grape-fully yours, Larry
The Wine Team of Chateau Gloria
