Esprit de Gloria Saint-Julien is a 750ml Bordeaux red blend and the second wine of Château Gloria, bottled at approximately 13–13.5% ABV. Scoring 93 points from both Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage) and James Suckling (2022 vintage), this Saint-Julien cuvée delivers classified-growth character at a more accessible tier. Quick Facts: ABV: ~13–13.5% | Origin: Saint-Julien, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France | Second Wine of Château Gloria | Producer: Domaines Henri Martin Production & Heritage Château Gloria was assembled over decades by the late Henri Martin, who purchased individual vineyard parcels from renowned classified growths including Léoville-Barton, Gruaud-Larose, and Ducru-Beaucaillou. Despite never receiving an official 1855 classification, the estate's terroir is a mosaic of some of the finest soils in Saint-Julien. Esprit de Gloria, the estate's second wine, is blended from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, hand-harvested and fermented under temperature control before aging in French oak barriques. The result captures the house style — generous fruit framed by structure — in a more approachable, earlier-drinking format than the grand vin. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with fragrant violets and purple plum before deepening into blackcurrant, cassis, and a thread of clove spice. Subtle cedar and mocha notes emerge with time in the glass. Taste: The entry is ripe and fleshy, led by dark cherries and plum. The mid-palate expands with cocoa, tobacco, and gentle oak nuances, supported by succulent acidity and well-integrated, medium-grained tannins that give the wine a creamy, medium-to-full body. Finish: The finish is moderately long, carrying echoes of blackcurrant and leather alongside a faint spiced warmth. Tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, fruit-driven impression. How to Drink Esprit de Gloria This Saint-Julien is best enjoyed at 16–18°C (61–64°F) in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass. Younger vintages benefit from 30–60 minutes of decanting to soften tannins and open the aromatic layers. Esprit de Gloria is fundamentally a food wine; while it rewards neat sipping, it truly shines alongside rich dishes at the table. Best For A dinner-party centerpiece paired with roasted lamb or beef Exploring Saint-Julien terroir without the price of a classified growth Gifting a Bordeaux enthusiast who appreciates estate-driven second wines Building a cellar with wines that drink well young but reward short-term aging Frequently Asked Questions What does Esprit de Gloria taste like? It is a fruit-forward yet structured Saint-Julien dominated by dark plum, blackcurrant, and cherry, layered with cedar, cocoa, and tobacco. Well-integrated tannins and lively acidity keep it balanced and food-friendly. How does Esprit de Gloria compare to Château Gloria? Château Gloria, the grand vin, is typically rated a point or two higher (around 94 points in strong vintages) and sees more new oak, resulting in greater density and aging potential. Esprit de Gloria shares the same terroir and grape blend but is vinified for earlier approachability, making it an excellent introduction to the estate's style. Is Esprit de Gloria good for sipping neat? Yes — its ripe fruit, moderate tannins, and creamy texture make it enjoyable on its own, especially after a short decant to let the aromatics develop fully. Where is Esprit de Gloria made? It is produced at Château Gloria in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Haut-Médoc, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, France. The estate's vineyards were historically assembled from parcels belonging to several 1855 classified growths. What foods pair well with Esprit de Gloria? Roast rack of lamb with herbs complements the wine's cedar and dark-fruit profile. Grilled ribeye steak matches its tannic structure. Duck confit echoes its plummy richness. Aged Comté or Gruyère highlights the tobacco and spice undertones. Mushroom risotto works well with its earthy oak character. What sizes does Esprit de Gloria come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, consistent with Bordeaux tradition. Magnums (1.5L) may be available in select vintages. Is Esprit de Gloria worth the price? As the second wine of a highly regarded Saint-Julien estate with terroir drawn from classified growths, Esprit de Gloria positions as a mid-range Bordeaux that punches above its weight. It regularly scores in the low 90s from major critics, offering strong value relative to classified Saint-Julien bottlings. Why Esprit de Gloria? Few second wines in Bordeaux can claim vineyard origins spanning parcels from Léoville-Barton, Gruaud-Larose, and Ducru-Beaucaillou — yet Esprit de Gloria draws from exactly that patchwork of classified-growth terroir. Consistent critical scores of 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling confirm it delivers serious Left Bank character vintage after vintage. Its blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot yields a wine that balances power and elegance without demanding years of cellaring. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Saint-Julien at a fraction of classified-growth pricing, this is one of the most compelling entries in the appellation.
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