The 2016 Gloria is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 7% Cabernet Franc that was picked from 29 September until 17 October. It is matured in slightly less oak than the Saint-Pierre, at 40%. This is a little more backward and broody compared to the Saint-Pierre and indeed its Saint Julien peers, demanding more coaxing from the glass. It almost reluctantly unfolds and unveils subtle pencil box and dry tobacco aromas. The palate is more outgoing than the aromatics with a vibrant, almost citrus-fresh opening, tensile tannins and a satisfying sense of energy. This feels nimble and agile in the mouth with a touch of white pepper lingering on the aftertaste. You come away with the feeling that this Gloria has something up its sleeve for those with patience to cellar it for eight to ten years. 93-95 points

Immediately on the nose you get the rich structure of the fruit, rippling with texture and life. It has just the right amount of drama, offering a tight and w ell-focussed delivery. This is beautiful, showing great underlying freshness and grip with real tension and minerality. 94 points

The 2016 Gloria is striking. Ripe, dense and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2016 exudes class. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, pomegranate, rose petal, cinnamon and licorice notes abound, but it is the wine`s juiciness and overall texture that are most appealing, A super-classic Saint-Julien, Gloria delivers serious quality for the money. Despite its obvious depth and fleshiness, the 2016 Gloria is also one of the most restrained, gracious Saint-Juliens readers will come across. 92-95 points