CHATEAU GLORIA

Gloria is something of a new kid on the Bordeaux block, comparatively speaking, established as recently as 1939 by Henri Martin, who had become weary of making barrels and decided he wanted to fill them instead.

Although a cooper by trade, like his dad, Henri was also the grandson of the cellarmaster at Château Gruard-Larose, and his family had been intimately associated with the vineyards and cellars of Saint-Julien, in one capacity or another, for around three centuries. Destiny called. Gloria is a patchwork of parcels scattered throughout the classified growth vineyards.

Today, the estate is managed be Henri's daughter Françoise, her husband Jean-Louis Triaud, and their children, Vanessa and Jean. They operate on 50 hectares consisting of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, turning out a lighter style of Saint-Julien that is price-friendly and made for earlier drinking. The 2009 and 2010 were standout vintages.