Gloria 2016 (750ML)

94+ Points, Christopher Deas, Zachys Buying Team: "In a word - awesome. The little overachieving unclassified growth has once again delivered one of Bordeaux's greatest values at under $48! This is classic Saint-Julien that really combines the structure of a Pauillac with the generous fruit of a Margaux. Red and blue fruit, with notes of cassis, black cherry, plums, blueberry, lavender, tobacco, spice with an almost chalky minerality nuance to the wine. There is a nice 2016 verve to the wine that gives it some lift alongside some dusty tannins. With age you can expect more nuances of lead, cedar, and forest floor to enter the flavor spectrum. This is an age-worthy Gloria that enthusiasts will be happy they purchased by the case to be experienced over the decades. It is not that far off from being enjoyed soon, in fact, with a two hour decant we were quite happy drinking this incredibly well-priced Bordeaux, even if the best is yet to come."

93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "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." 11/18

96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "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." 1/19

"93-94 Points, James Suckling: ""Dense and layered red with berry and tobacco character, a full body and a savory finish. Got it all here."" 04/17"

"93-96 Points, Wine Spectator: ""Shows a flash of mint before giving way to a torrent of blueberry, blackberry and cassis flavors, pushed by energetic acidity and juicy, brambly grip. Plum cake and anise line the finish, along with a flash of tobacco. Lots going on here."" 4/17"

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "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." 2/19