Château Gloria, St Julien, 2023
Henri Martin's wines are never shy. The 2023 Gloria is a typically dark, ambitious style. A little bit gruff, but there's plenty of potential here to the taut black fruit, supported by ripe, but slightly conspicuous tannins.
critic reviews
This estate is always a good barometer of a vintage, and it delivers ripe blackberry fruits, liqourice root, black chocolate, iris, violet. Last year of organic conversion, 38% new oak, 51hl/h yield.
The 2023 Gloria has a well-defined bouquet with a mixture of red and blueberry fruit, crushed violet and peony, quite Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with finely tuned tannins, quite fresh and vibrant, not a powerful Saint-Julien but this has developed more clarity and nuance during its élevage. Very fine.
The 2023 Gloria has a deep garnet-purple color. It is a little sluggish to begin, with notes of sauteed herbs, damp soil, and tar soon opening out to a core of stewed strawberries, plums, and cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate is chewy, with nice freshness and just enough savory-laced fruit, finishing a little short and firm.
An attractive effort, the 2023 Gloria offers up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with subtle hints of violets and licorice. It's medium to full-bodied, taut and lively, with good depth and persistence. This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet France is the third and final vintage of organic conversion at Gloria.