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.
The 2018 Gloria is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up expressive notions of warm red and black currants, black cherries and boysenberries with hints of spice cake, cedar chest, pencil lead and menthol. Full-bodied with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins, it has a lively line cutting through the dense, savory layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The blend is currently 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated aging is for 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new.