2014 Sociando Mallet Cuvee Jean Gautreau

The 2014 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot picked between September 23 and October 11. It has a much more appealing bouquet than the 2013, offering a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and smoke; clarity increases with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, showing supple tannin, a fine line of acidity and a well-defined, sensual finish that takes the oak in stride. This is an excellent Cuvée Jean Gautreau that should age with style. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet. (NM)