2020 Château Gloria En Primeur
Released this morning, 2020 Château Gloria made a great impression on us in our cask tastings over the spring. As firm followers of this estate, we were fortunate to receive multiple samples, tasting each one several times. Every time, we were impressed by the open, expressive blackcurrant fruit, graphite aromas and the silky texture on the palate. Quite different in style from Leoville-Barton's majestic, architectural 2020, this is a wine you can imagine enjoying quite early and becoming a firm favourite over a number of years.
The critics are fairly united in their praise for it too (several mentioning having tasted more than once and being impressed by its consistency). Jancis Robinson calls it "classic and successful" (17 pts), Jeb Dunnuck calls it "brilliant" (93-95 pts) and Neal Martin declares it "a wonderful Gloria", giving the same score.
Bordeaux En Primeur, Landing in spring 2023
To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk
Producer Profile
Château Gloria, St.-Julien
Château Gloria is an estate in the commune of St.-Julien. A relatively new estate, it came into being in the mid-20th century, pieced together from various parcels of vines for Henri Martin, with the help of the Cazes family. Martin's family had a long history in the Medoc. Previously the manager of Latour, he had dreamt of owning his own vineyard and purchased Gloria in 1942. Gloria's 50 hectares were acquired by Marttin row by row, in many small parcels from other famous St.-Julien estates, a real labour of love. Had the estate existed in 1855 it would undoubtedly have been included in the classification and Gloria describe Martin as having 'invented a new cru'. In 1982 he was also able to purchase Château Saint-Pierre, a Grands Crus Classés in the same commune.
Today, Gloria is run by Martin's daughters and son-in-law and produces an average of 20,000 cases per annum. The vineyard is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The winery has recently been renovated and quality is improving even further in recent vintages.
| RED | 2020 | 1 case | Château Gloria | 75cl | £320 per case of 12 | Château Gloria 2020 / 1 case / 75cl £320 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes“Cask sample taken 31 March. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot. Aged for just 14 months in cask. Deep crimson. Very lively and well-balanced with the acidity and fruit and tannin all in nice harmony. Restrained but fully ripe. Classic and successful. Very appetising and long finish. 13.5%. Drink 2026 – 2043. 17 points.” Jancisrobinson.com------"Opaque purple-black colored, the 2020 Gloria comes soaring out of the glass with notes of blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums and blueberry compote, followed by suggestions of powdered cinnamon, cedar chest and menthol, plus a waft of graphite. The medium to full-bodied palate is completely coated with juicy black fruits, framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot, aging for approximately 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. The alcohol is 13.3%. Drink 2024-2043. 92-94 points" Lisa Perotti-Brown, RobertParker.com------"Playing in the same class as the 2016, 2018, and 2019, the 2020 Château Gloria reveals a vivid purple hue as well beautiful blue fruits intermixed with gravelly earth, graphite, and crushed stone. I was able to taste this on two separate occasions and it was brilliant both times, offering medium to full-bodied richness and a powerful yet weightless mouthfeel as well as silky tannins. It also has a terrific sense of freshness. It will drink well relatively young yet keep for two decades. 93-95 points" Jeb Dunnock, RobertParker.com------"The 2020 Gloria has an intense nose of penetrating blackberry, raspberry, crushed violet and crushed stone aromas. After 20 minutes, this just blossoms in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity and just a touch of espresso and orange peel toward the finish, which remains taught and focused. What a wonderful Gloria! This might actually surpass its sibling, Château St. Pierre, this year. 93-95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com------"Very focused and poised with blackberry, blackcurrant and graphite character. It’s full-to medium-bodied with racy tannins and a long, dynamic finish. Will be interesting to see if 2020 is better than 2019. 94-95 points" jamessuckling.com |
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