From: Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Varietal: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc

The wines of Sociando-Mallet are characterized by a very deep and dark color, complex aromas of little red fruits and a well-integrated fine oaky touch. they are by tradition long-keeping wines. The wines are full-bodied, straight and elegant, with a lot of freshness and depth. The property is located 10km north of Pauillac in the Haut-Medoc and has since grown to 85 hectares. With overall plantings of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and an average vine age of over 30 years, Sociando-Mallet has gained a reputation as one of the finest Haut-Medoc wines outside of the 1855 Bordeaux classification. 100% hand-harvested, the grapes are fermented using natural yeasts and, postfermentation, are aged for over 12 months in all new French oak barrels. With vines growing on gravel slopes lying over a clay sub-soil, Sociando-Mallet is characterised by great freshness, persistence and structure.

Chateau Sociando-Mallet has been building its reputation since 1970, when Jean Gautreau raised standards to near Cru Classé quality. The quality of the wine continued to improve throughout the 1990s, when between 80 and 100 percent new oak became the norm. Chateau Sociando Mallet needs time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 2-3 hours. This helps the wine soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Sociando Mallet is usually better with at least 8-10 years or more of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character.

Chateau Sociando Mallet offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 8-25 years of age after the vintage.

90 Points -Wine Advocate

90 Points -James Suckling