The Big Deal: Ch. GLORIA, St. Julien, 2011
The Deal: $39.99 cash (normally $49.99 cash) from 9/22/14 through 9/27/14
The Person(s): The late Henri Martin (1903-1991) and now Jean Louis Triaud (Martin’s son-in-law)
The Place: Ch. Gloria in St. Julien (spread across three areas, in the middle of Beychevelle and then in the west and the north of the appellation) on soil made up of Gunzian gravel covering a layer of clay and sand.
The Story:
Beginning with the purchase of 6 hectares of vines in 1942, Ch. Gloria was pieced together by the late Henri Martin (former mayor of St. Julien) who put Gloria on the world wine map in a big hurry. Over the insuing years, Martin bought land from several of his neighbors including Saint-Pierre, Beychevelle, Léoville-Poyferré, Gruaud-Larose, Léoville-Barton, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Lagrange and a Saint-Julien property of Duhart-Milon to bring it to its present 50 hectares. The plantation consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.
The Wine:
Ch. GLORIA, St. Julien, 2011 ($39.99)
A 13.5% alcohol blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot fermented using pump-overs in stainless steel tanks and aged 14 months in French oak barrels (40% new). Deep purple red in color with well formed legs; dry, medium-full-bodied with freshly balanced acidity and medium phenolics. Offers fresh, mostly red fruit with some earth, gravel, and tobacco. Elegant but with depth and complexity; very tasty and drinking well now. BearScore: 90+. (Tasted 9-17-14)
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