Sporting a vivid purple hue, the 2025 Château Gloria offers up cassis, assorted red and blue fruits, liquid violets, and classy oak. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc that's being raised in 50% new barrels, it's pure and incredibly polished on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, a silky, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. It checks in at 13.2% alcohol. As I've written in the past, the quality at this estate continues to soar, and this will hold its own in a blind tasting with some of the top wines with ease. This château needs to be on everyone's radar.

The 2025 Gloria was picked between September 10 and 19 and matured in 50% new oak. It has a lovely bouquet with well-defined blackberry, violet and crushed stone scents, the oak seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grainy tannins, good concentration and a tensile, minerally finish. Bon vin. (NM)

Bramble fruit aromas on the nose. Supple and so controlled with a gorgeous weight on the palate – ripe, filling tannins with a cool vein of freshness that just carries the frame. Not overly acidic or too bright, more controlled and calm with a complexity of flavours and textures. Chewy blackcurrant, liquorice and stones. It’s a touch short and compact on the finish but this will elongate over ageing. Lots to like here. Balanced with an elegant touch. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. (GH)