| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Haut Médoc |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Whether it is due to the vintage or to Gautreau, the ferocity of the tannins in many 2011 Medocs seems relatively tame, but there is no lacking concentration in this wine, which is clearly of classified growth quality. It boasts a dense purple color along with abundant notes of creme de cassis, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Medium-bodied and super-rich, it is a real revelation in a vintage such as 2011. Given its precociousness and silky tannins, it can be drunk in 2-3 years, or cellared for two decades.
Since I began covering these wines nearly 35 years ago, Sociando Maillet, with its fabulous terroir north of St.-Estephe, has been one of Bordeaux's greatest over-achievers. It continues to prove that it should have been included in the 1855 Classification of the Wines of the Medoc. Proprietor Jean Gautreau is an example of a winemaker/vigneron/viticulture who does everything right regardless of vintage conditions.
Pretty blackberry and earthy character. Medium to full body, medium-chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Layered and stylish. Excellent for the vintage. Better in 2016.
Good, Pauillac-style fruit, very good length and tannins. Drink 2016-2025.
The 2011 may turn out to be even better than the 2009 Sociando Maillet. Its opaque purple color is not unusual for a young Sociando Maillet, but the creme de cassis, graphite and floral characteristics impressively saturate the olfactory senses. Medium to full-bodied with excellent purity, texture and length as well as remarkably sweet tannins, this wine should drink nicely for 10-15 years.
The Sociando Mallet has a pleasant , earthy bouquet that is natural and shows none of those green elements that can sometimes bridle young Sociando. The palate is medium-bodied with dusty tannins over a decent core of dry, earthy black fruit. Foursquare on the finish. Tasted April 2012.
Mineral and blueberry character with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Refined style of Sociando with firm backbone. Needs a little more fruit in the mid-palate.
