2016 Chateau Gloria Saint-Julien [V96][D94][JD94][JS94][WS94][WA93][WE90-92]

Producer: Chateau Gloria  
Region: Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France 
Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc
Year: 2016 

Vinous, 96 Points 

"The 2016 Gloria is one of the undisputed stars of this vintage. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice and dried rose petal all add complexity. In 2016 Gloria is a real head-turner. It should be a fabulous value as well. There is not much else to say." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"Immediately on the nose you get the rich structure of the fruit, rippling with texture and life. It has just the right amount of drama, offering a tight and well-focussed delivery. This is beautiful, showing great underlying freshness and grip with real tension and minerality." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"I was lucky enough to taste the 2016 Château Gloria on multiple occasions and it’s unquestionably the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged in 42% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by a powerful, medium to full-bodied wine that has thrilling purity in its ripe black and blue fruits, tobacco, and graphite-laced aromas and flavors. Deep, layered, with ripe tannins and the purity and freshness that makes the vintage so special, this is a brilliant Gloria to drink over the coming 20+ years." 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"Beautiful aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries. Hot-stone undertones. Full-bodied, very tight and focused with very fine tannins that are strong and bright. Compressed. Serious. Try in 2023." 

Wine Spectator, 94 Points 

"This has a slightly chunky feel now, with bramble and tar notes jutting out a bit, but the core is saturated with cassis and blackberry fruit flavors and there's fun energy throughout. Offers a lovely tug of sweet tobacco detail on the finish too. Just let this settle in the cellar." 

Wine Advocate, 93 Points 

"The 2016 Gloria is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot aged 14 months in 42% new and 58% one-year-old French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of plum preserves, warm cassis and dark chocolate with touches of tobacco, bay leaves and lavender with a waft of dusty soil. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant and savory in the mouth with loads layers and a lifted finish." 

Wine Enthusiast, 90-92 Points 

"The tannins in this wine are firm, resulting in a selection of more structural grip than fruity opulence. It will need to evolve and mellow, ensuring that the fruit is allowed to come forward." 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.