Château Gloria, St Julien, 2022
This is often one of the best value buys from the Medoc, a wine hailing from parcels surrounded by grand cru classes. Henri Martin wines never lack ambition, and the 2022 Gloria is no exception. This is a large-scale, sinewy, virile effort, full of black compote fruit. It feels a little severe at the moment, but given this chateau's track record, we certainly wouldn't write it off. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc.
critic reviews
The 2022 Gloria has an engaging and complex nose: black fruit, touches of blueberry, welcome estuarine scents, almost seaweed-like. Well defined, and the oak here is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, well judged acidity, gains weight towards the finish but it maintains superb delineation and focus. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
The 2022 Gloria is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot. It is truly dark and brooding on the nose, with plenty of dark chocolate and toast notes, showing more density than it does freshness. The palate is broad, dark and toasted, with layers of chalky black olive, liquorice, toast, tar and charcoal, set in a fine texture with a rich and finely polished substance, draped over a rich bed of ripe tannins. A confident structure here, in an imposing blend, the tannins lingering long in the finish, and a wine which will clearly need a lot of cellar time. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 13%, modest for this vintage.
Deep plum colour, plenty of tannic grip that delivers poise and a frame that holds the deeply concentrated spices, sandalwood, campfire, cassis, blueberry, eucalyptus and mint. Edge of exuberance without going overboard. In biodynamic conversion. An upscore from En Primeur.
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Gloria bursts with aromas of cherries, sweet berries, petals and spices, framed by a deft touch of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a succulent, enveloping core of fruit and supple tannins, it's a gourmand but nicely balanced Saint-Julien that will offer a broad drinking window.