James Suckling 94
A full-bodied red with a dense, juicy palate of blueberries and blackcurrants. Some black tea and tree bark, too. Tight yet long and linear finish. Very structured and polished.
by James Suckling, JS, 2021.

Wine Advocate 92
The 2018 Gloria is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged for approximately 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with flamboyant notes of kirsch, black raspberries and cassis, plus hints of potpourri, unsmoked cigars and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a good amount of juicy black and red fruit flavors, backed up by slightly chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing spicy.
by LPB, 2021.

Wine Spectator 93
Fresh and energetic, with violet, licorice and cassis aromas and flavors spilling forth while bramble and graphite run underneath. Applewood streak gives the finish some spine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
by Wine Spectator, JM, 2021.

Wine Enthusiast 94
This wine has all the structured intensity and ripe fruitiness of a Saint-Julien. At the same time, it displays a light touch with the black fruits and open texture, promising an attractive wine.
by Wine Enthusiast, RV, 2021.

Tasting notes
The 2018 Gloria has a wonderful, harmonious bouquet of copious blackberry, briary, cedar and tobacco notes that just feels so... effortless. The very harmonious palate offers pure black fruit laced with graphite. Displaying moderate weight and fine acidity, and quite linear and focused on the finish, this is a very classy Gloria that may warrant a higher score down the line.

Description
A structured and balanced red Grand Vin from Saint-Julien. A great vintage for Bordeaux, 2018 also marked the inauguration of a new vertical press at Chateau Gloria, located in the Saint-Julien appellation and owned by Domaines Henri Martin. Following a rainy winter and spring, the beautiful climatic conditions of summer, and the great alternation of warm days and cool nights in September allowed the fruit to ripen fully. At Chateau Gloria, the grape harvest started with the Merlot and ended on October 1st with the Cabernet. The first juices revealed intense colors, very expressive fruit aromas and an exceptional maturity. These wines are balanced, with a beautiful structure. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (5%), the Chateau Gloria 2018 is already revealing signs of being a great Saint-Julien from an exceptional vintage.

Estate
This Chateau was created in the 1950's by the late Henri Martin who was also the regisseur of Chateau 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. 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. The 2018 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot with elevage in 40% new oak.