2019 Sociando Mallet
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Tasting notes
Nuanced, concentrated, still very much in primary phase but full of Sociando character, back into the heart of what this estate can deliver. It will clearly age for decades, and it is gorgeous, laced through with cassis, black chcocolate, pomegranate, graphite, balanced and juicy. Harvest September 18 to October 11, 90% new oak, 12 months in barrel then 6 months in vat, 77ha in production. 43hl/h yield. A tribute to Jean Gautreau on the label (you'll find the words Hommage à Jean Gautreau), as he died aged 82 in October 2019. Consultant oenologist Michel-Bernard Couasnon.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Decanter
More reviews and scores
One of the best Haut-Médocs out there, and a wine that competes with any number of classified growths, the 2019 Château Sociando-Mallet is ruby/plum-hued and has a great nose of ripe red and black currants, spice, smoked tobacco, and loamy earth. It shows the more expressive, open, seamless style of the 2019 vintage and is medium to full-bodied, has beautifully polished tannins, and just about perfect balance. Smart readers will buy a case (or more) of this beauty, and it will have an incredibly broad drink window, with 30-35 years of overall longevity.
The 2019 Sociando Mallet has more presence on the nose than the Le Boscq; the fruit is darker and bolder. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, plenty of blackcurrant and raspberry fruit laced with cedar and black pepper. Solid, if missing a little elegance on the finish. Give it a couple of years and it will steadily climb back to its appraisal after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Tasted blind. Very deep crimson. Some evolution and vegy interest on the nose. Rich fruit and just a tad too much and too heavily extracted tannin. Very stringy, underripe-tannin finish. (JR)