Chateau Gloria 2020 Magnum (1,5l)

Product info about Chateau Gloria 2020 Magnum (1,5l)

Chateau Gloria 2020 Magnum is a red Bordeaux from Saint-Julien in the Médoc, bottled in the generous 1.5 litre format. A magnum immediately changes the mood around a wine: it belongs on a table where the bottle may take its time, and this larger format can develop more gradually than a standard bottle.

Château Gloria has an intriguing position in Saint-Julien. It is not part of the 1855 classification, yet the estate was built from the late 1930s onwards by Henri Martin, who acquired vineyard parcels one by one, largely from historically classified growths within the appellation. That background gives Gloria its particular appeal: firmly rooted in classic left bank Bordeaux, but with a story that sits outside the official hierarchy.

For the 2020 vintage, the blend is 50% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 11% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc. The grapes are hand harvested, followed by traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Around 14 months of ageing in French oak barrels, about 40% of them new, adds support and shape while keeping the emphasis on dark fruit, freshness and graphite-like detail.

At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Saint-Julien magnum we place in front of customers looking for structure, ageing potential and a bottle with presence. It may still feel youthful when opened now, so dishes with flavour and protein such as red meat, lamb, barbecue dishes, smoked duck breast or camembert make natural companions. With the stock now down to the last bottles, this magnum deserves a little extra attention.

Chateau Gloria 2020 shows the ripe dark-fruited side of Saint-Julien, with blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry, plum and blueberry, alongside raspberry and a floral hint of violet. Beneath the fruit come notes of cedar, graphite, tobacco, spices, pepper and mint, with quieter touches of cinnamon, espresso, orange peel and light smoke.

On the palate it is juicy and concentrated, medium to medium-full in body, with lively acidity and fine to slightly grainy tannins. The finish is firm, fairly long and precise, carried by dark fruit, freshness and a graphite-like mineral edge.