| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Haut Médoc |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This Northern Medoc property of 57 hectares has been making wine of classed growth quality for many years. Always matured in 100% new oak, the blend is usually around 50:50 Cabernet and Merlot.
2016 Sociando Mallet has turned into what must be the best wine from this property of the modern era. Still a deep ruby-purple colour in the glass, the nose has a depth and ripeness of fruit I would not expect, unfurling with notes of cassis, dark plum and dark cherry, together with flecks of vanilla bean and more savoury cedar and pencil shavings. The palate is pure, long and focused, with dark fruit driving everything forward. Though the tannins are chalky and properly formed, they give this wine depth and poise rather than dominating the fruit. The balance is impeccable, and though the fruit is ripe it has 2016's cool edge: you could only be in the northern Médoc. Wood spice and savoury development are background accents, but add to the moreish nature of this wine, lingering on the finish with a fresh bite of acidity and persistent cherry fruit. You can absolutely drink this now, it is a delicious wine that has you reaching for another glass. Impressive.
The 2016 Sociando Mallet has an attractive bouquet of cranberry, wild strawberry, cedar and light loamy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, though it is well balanced with a fresh, quite mineral-driven finish that has grace and charm. This is a splendid Sociando-Mallet that I suspect will meliorate with cellaring. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. 2022 - 2040
Dark-berry and currant aromas with hints of spice. Medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Shows focus and seriousness for the appellation, as is usual from this producer. Better after 2022.
Inky black in colour, with a beautiful graphite and black fruit nose. This is undoubtedly a great Sociando this year, with precise yet juicy graphite and black fruits on the palate, from a fairly even blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc too. Drink 2023 - 2040.
The 2016 Chateau Sociando-Mallet is a beautiful, complete wine that shows the classic style of this vintage beautifully. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with terrific notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, dried earth, and lead pencil shavings, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, and a great finish. It has plenty of tannins, yet they're polished and nicely integrated into the wine. This brilliant Haut-Medoc is approachable today yet will be even better with 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15+ years. (Drink between 2021-2036)
The 2016 Sociando-Mallet has a refulgent purple/black color. It has a very intense and rich, you might say "ambitious" bouquet with layers of small black cherries, blueberry and a touch of sloes, less tertiary than previous vintages and certainly more opulent. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannin that almost disguise the firm structure underneath. I admire the completeness of this Sociando-Mallet, the neatly embroidered new oak and the freshness on the finish. The 2015 Sociando-Mallet did not fire on all cylinders last year, but this 2016 is totally convincing. It comes highly recommended as one of the best wines produced at this estate in the northern Médoc. This is an outstanding wine from Mon. Gartreau. Drink 2022 - 2045.
Tight and chewy yet polished and beautiful. Medium to full body, a pretty core of fruit within the center palate and a flavorful finish. Better than 2015 and on the same level as the excellent 2014.
