Château Gloria 2022

A gem in the vintage is going to be the 2022 Château Gloria, which comes from 50 hectares of vines and is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. Harvested between September 14 and 26, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it offers an inky purple hue to go with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spicy oak, and graphite. Hitting 13.8% alcohol and aging in 60% new French oak, it's a pure, layered, elegant yet concentrated Saint-Julien that readers will love. Tasted twice.

Quite a scented and fresh Gloria with lovely fragrance and firmness. Nothing overstated this year, showing beautiful texture and restraint. This initial balance as well as sharp-etched tannins will give it the ability to age. Drink from 2028.

A dark and toasted nose full of chocolate and coffee scents. Concentrated but full of cool blueberries and cola. Still quite massy, the tannins are at the fore, but they're fine rather than being too chewy or plush. Nicely controlled with focus and persistence and still juiciness on the finish which is so appealing. Mint, wet stones and a touch of bitter orange peel at the end.

The 2022 Gloria has turned out beautifully, bursting with aromas of minty blackberries, tobacco leaf and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's seamless and charming, with good balance and a flavorful finish. It's a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot.