Château Gloria 2018 is a Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant Saint-Julien that has drawn consistently strong critical praise, with a cluster of excellent reviews at 93–94 points from multiple major publications. It’s also a vintage with a few notable technical markers: Jane Anson notes it is “the only wine in the vertical that is above 14% in alcohol,” tying that ripeness to the year while emphasizing how “balanced and old school St Julien is almost every year.” She also reports “40% new oak” and harvest dates of “September 20 to October 1,” with Rémi di Constanzo as technical director.
In the glass, the wine reads as firmly Médocain but generous. Wine Spectator calls it “fresh and energetic,” led by “violet, licorice and cassis,” with “bramble and graphite” underneath and an “applewood streak” adding shape to the finish. James Suckling’s 94-point review likewise frames it as structured rather than sweet, describing “a dense, juicy palate of blueberries and blackcurrants,” plus “black tea and tree bark,” finishing “tight yet long and linear… very structured and polished.”
Several reviewers underline both ripeness and poise. Jeb Dunnuck (94) describes “up-front blue and black fruits… violets, and scorched earth,” and highlights a “beautifully balanced, elegant mouthfeel” with “ripe tannins” and “both richness and freshness.” Wine Enthusiast (94) finds “structured intensity and ripe fruitiness,” but also “a light touch… and open texture.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is a notch lower at 91, but still calls it “a strong effort” in a “lush, fruit-driven” vintage, with “ripe acids and sweet tannins,” and notes it can already offer pleasure. For cellaring, multiple critics suggest patience: Dunnuck recommends 2–4 years, while Wine Spectator places its best window at 2022–2035. Jeff Leve (94) even advises 4–6 years before it hits full stride, citing a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
