2019 Chateau Gloria St. Julien

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "This estate continues to deliver the goods, and their 2019 Château Gloria is a hands-down winner. Gorgeous crème de cassis fruit as well as notes of cedar pencil, leather, and dried flowers all flow from this medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien, and it's perfectly balanced, has sweet tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. It's going to drink well for 20-25 years or more. Barrel Sample: 94-96"


James Suckling - "A firm, chewy red with blackberries, earth and hints of chocolate. It’s full-bodied and very structured. Better than the 2018. Barrel Sample: 94-95"


Wine Spectator - "Rock-solid, with a mouthwatering roasted apple wood and mesquite frame around a well-layered core of black currant, blackberry and plum fruit flavors. The finish features dots of tobacco and tar that add range but the real driver is a long bolt of iron, which gives this a throwback feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025"


Vinous - "The 2019 Gloria personifies classic Saint-Julien, offering blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and tobacco scents, maybe a little conservative in style, but unashamed about that. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite firm tannins. Fresh and saline, this gets the saliva going with a precise, persistent finish and leaves hints of graphite on the aftertaste. Excellent."


Decanter - "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. Barrel Sample: 94"


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Deep purple-black colored, the 2019 Gloria comes bounding out of the glass with all the energy of a new puppy, featuring notes of baked plums, black cherry preserves and warm cassis plus hints of spice box, pencil lead, woodsmoke and dried mint. Medium to full-bodied (the alcohol states 14.2%), the palate is packed with juicy black fruit flavors, framed by approachable, ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing pleasantly earthy. Barrel Sample: 91-93"