2005 Sociando Mallet

Another awesome vintage from this château, the 2005 Château Sociando-Mallet reveals a healthy ruby hue as well as youthful aromatics of ripe blackcurrants, cedary herbs, green tobacco, and subtle floral notes. It’s beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and has remarkable purity and finesse paired with impressive density and depth. It still has some tannins, and this killer bottle of wine has another 2-3 decades of overall longevity. You should buy it if you see it and count yourself lucky if you have bottles in the cellar. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc.

As we head up to the northern stretches of the Médoc, the colour deepens, and this looks altogether younger than the more southerly Haut-Médocs. Classic, balanced, earthy, still fairly closed and should continue to evolve and improve over the next few years. A ton of eucalyptus, crushed blackberry fruit, very much Cabernet dominant, with a mouthwatering juicy finish. Understated, lean and savoury overall, a little vegetal on the finish but this is old school Bordeaux in a glass from owner and founder Jean Gautreau. Harvest September 19 to October 6

This continues to be a firm and structured red with lots of slate, wet-earth and blackcurrant character. Full body, polished, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Give it time. Better after 2021.