From: Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, Haut-Médoc, France
Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Taste & Critical Acclaim: The 2017 presents a deep, garnet-red core with hints of purple along the rim, reflecting its youthful intensity and aging potential. On the nose, the wine is aromatic and layered, offering a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry intertwined with subtle notes of cedar, graphite, and tobacco. Hints of violet, crushed gravel, and a touch of baking spice emerge with aeration.
“Freshness and brightness to this. Medium to full body with firm, juicy tannins. A little chewy now, but will come around nicely with bottle age. Excellent for the vintage.” 93 Points, James Suckling, Review Date: 12/2019
“The 2017 Sociando-Mallet has turned out well. Pliant and supple on the palate, the 2017 has quite a bit of aromatic complexity as well. I would prefer to drink it on the young side, given its mid-weight structure. The 2017 is not quite as overt as it was en primeur, but it is impeccably balanced and very nicely done. Cool, savory accents round out the finish. (AG)” 91 Points, Vinous, Review Date: 03/2020
“This wine offers a blackberry fruit flavor framed by crisp acidity and fine-grained tannins. It has a dry core, with plenty of spice and fruit tones to broaden it out. (RV)” 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast, Review Date: 04/2018
Pairing: A classic pairing is a rack of lamb with a herb crust, where the wine’s tannins balance the rich meat while rosemary and thyme enhance its earthy notes. Another traditional match is Entrecôte à la Bordelaise, a Bordeaux favorite featuring ribeye steak with a red wine and shallot reduction, complementing the wine’s dark fruit and graphite nuances. Lastly, pappardelle with wild mushrooms and truffle highlights its savory qualities, while the creamy texture softens the tannins.
Fettuccine With White Truffles and Chives
By Jacques Pepin
About: Château Sociando-Mallet is one of the most respected estates in the Haut-Médoc, known for producing wines of remarkable structure and longevity. Despite being classified outside the 1855 classification, it has gained a reputation rivaling many classified growths through a relentless pursuit of quality. Situated in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, just north of Pauillac and less than five kilometers north of Saint Estephe and outside its appellation, the estate has a long history dating back to the 17th century, with its modern renaissance beginning in the late 20th century under the leadership of Jean Gautreau.
