Appellations

Gloria 2017

St Julien

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Gloria, tasted from a new barrel though the final blend will include 50% new oak and the remainder one-year old, has a straightforward but pure bouquet with blackberry, briary and cedar aromas accompanied by a distant whiff off the estuary. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, crisp acidity, a little “brittle” in the mouth, but quite precise towards the finish. It actually ends much better than it begins so I will expand my banded score to indicate potential upgrade in quality. Let’s see.

Score: 89 - 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2038 Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Gloria is superb. At once deep and fleshy, but also beautifully delineated, the 2017 is incredibly satisfying. Succulent red and blue fruit, cedar, tobacco, anise and leather are some of the many notes that develop in the glass in an explosive, potent Saint-Julien that delivers the goods, and then some. Best of all, Gloria remains one of the most compelling values in all of Bordeaux. Don't miss it. Tasted three times.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

Mid crimson. Lifted cassis and cassis leaf. A little austere but very fresh and with fine-line purity. Dry, dark-chocolate finish that leaves your mouth feeling clean.

Score: 16 - 17 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2025-2035 Date: 27 April 2018

The 2017 Gloria is deep garnet-purple in color and scented of warm plums and blueberry pie with hints of potpourri, tilled soil and espresso. The palate is medium-bodied with just enough expressive fruit and a fine, approachable frame. The blend is currently 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot.

Score: 89 - 91 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2018

From another estate that’s on an upward trajectory, the 2017 Château Gloria boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of sweet crème de cassis, crushed violets, spicy oak, and graphite. It’s medium-bodied, has a rounded, opulent texture, ripe tannin, and more mid-palate density and depth than most in the vintage. It’s already hard to resist yet should cruise for 12-15 years. The blend is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc, all brought up in 40% new wood.

Score: 90 - 92 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

A tight and focused red with currants, dark berries and hints of mushrooms. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a juicy finish.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018

Plum, blackberry and black currant fruit has melded nicely with graphite and anise notes in this red, which shows good energy, with a mouthwatering tar note on the finish. Really solid.

Score: 91 - 94 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

Tight but plentiful fruit extraction. The expression is a little less full than in 2016, but there is both finesse and grip to the fine, firmly held tannins as they travel through the palate, accompanying cassis, fern, rosemary, heather and cigar box notes. Enjoyable stuff.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2040 Date: 01 April 2018