Henri Martin, Glorias owner and once Mayor of Saint Julien was one of Medocs legendary figures. In 1956 he became President of the Interprofessional Committee of Bordeaux Wines. Beginning in the 1940s, Henri Martin assembled the vineyards of Chateau Gloria with parcels of land from such neighbouring vineyards as Leoville-Poyferre, Gruaud-Larose, Saint Pierre and Duhart-Milon
Tasting notes, Robert Parker 93 points
Gloria has long been one of the most popular wines in America, but I do not believe they have ever made better wines than they have over the last decade, and the 2009 is one of their finest. While this estate is not a classified growth, it certainly performs like one in 2009. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by an expressive, flamboyant bouquet of black fruits, Christmas spices, licorice and roasted Provencal herbs. Fuller-bodied, more concentrated and extracted than most vintages with soft tannins, its low acidity and a sumptuous, plump style remind me of a modern day version of the 1982 (which is fully mature but still in great shape). The 2009 Gloria is a very smart purchase for those looking to maximize their buying power. In fact, this may be the value of the vintage.