Château Gloria Saint-Julien 2016

The 2016 Château Gloria opens with alluring aromas of cassis, black cherry, and violet layered with cedar, graphite, and a touch of tobacco leaf. The palate is full-bodied yet refined, offering ripe dark fruit framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of mocha, spice, and pencil shavings emerge with air, leading to a long, elegant finish that epitomizes Saint-Julien’s poise and depth.

Quick Facts

• Region: Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
• Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2016
• Farming: Sustainable, hand-harvested fruit
• Winemaker: Jean Triaud
• Aging: 14 months in French oak barrels (40% new)
• ABV: 13.5%
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (unofficially Grand Cru Classé quality)

Tasting Profile

• Aromas: Cassis, violet, cedar, and tobacco leaf
• Palate: Rich yet structured with blackcurrant, graphite, and mocha
• Finish: Long, refined, and savory with polished tannins and mineral lift

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

The 2016 vintage of Château Gloria is a perfect example of Bordeaux harmony — structured, fragrant, and effortlessly balanced. It offers the pedigree and precision of a classified growth without the price tag, consistently outperforming its peers. A quintessential cellar-worthy Left Bank wine that delivers elegance and depth from the first sip to the last.

Winemaking

Château Gloria, established by Henri Martin in the 1940s, was built parcel by parcel from some of Saint-Julien’s finest classified vineyards — a unique achievement that gives the wine remarkable pedigree.

• Fermentation & Aging: Traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel; aged 14 months in French oak (40% new).

• Blend & Character: Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone and cassis, Merlot adds plushness, while Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc lend spice and lift.

• Farming: Sustainable viticulture emphasizing soil health and canopy balance.

Aging Potential: 2024–2040. Still youthful, the 2016 will continue to evolve beautifully, revealing greater complexity and silkiness over time.

Vintage Notes: 2016 is a legendary Bordeaux vintage — cool nights, sunny days, and perfectly timed rains produced wines of power, freshness, and precision.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 60–65°F after decanting for 1 hour. Ideal with beef tenderloin, lamb chops, duck breast, or truffle risotto. Its depth and polish also make it a wonderful companion to aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Drinking Window

Drink 2024–2040. Currently entering its prime with potential for two more decades of graceful aging.

Estate Overview

Founded by visionary Henri Martin, Château Gloria stands as a testament to dedication and terroir. Though unclassified in the 1855 hierarchy, its vineyards draw from prestigious Saint-Julien estates such as Léoville Barton, Gruaud-Larose, and Ducru-Beaucaillou. Today, under the Triaud family’s direction, Gloria continues to produce wines of impeccable balance — marrying power, purity, and classic Médoc refinement. The 2016 vintage represents the estate at its absolute best: generous fruit, layered complexity, and timeless elegance.