Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Haut Médoc |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
Classic aromas of black currants, graphite, powdered wet rocks, and earthy undertones compete with the intense black currant fruit present in this structured, medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2006. Always an over-achiever, Sociando Mallet is built for 20-30 years of longevity. The elegant, powerful, but backward 2006 requires patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.
Tasted blind at Farr Vintners' 2006 tasting, the 2006 Château Sociando Mallet displayed a lifted and sprightly bouquet with black fruit, scorched earth, fresh mint and smoky aromas - quasi-Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a keen line of acidity, fresh in the mouth with a saline tincture towards the composed finish. There is impressive freshness here, not overly complex for sure, but it conveys energy. Drink now and over the next decade.
Bright ruby-red. Currant, black cherry, licorice, pepper, fresh herbs and a mineral component on the nose. Muscular, slightly inky and penetrating, but not at all an outsized wine for Sociando in spite of its lurking power. Finishes youthfully tight, even a bit tough, with plenty of tongue-dusting tannins and a peppery element. This has put on weight since the last time I tasted it and may yet gain in sweetness with five or six years of bottle aging.
This classic wine is built for long-term aging (the French expression is vin de garde). A saturated purple color is followed by an extraordinary nose of graphite, cold steel, black currant jam, and a subtle truffle/earthy note. Powerful with highly extracted richness, high tannins, and the concentration necessary to stand up to the wine’s structure, it will require 7-10 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter.
Tasted blind at Southwold -06 Bordeaux tasting. Deep garnet hue. The Sociando -06 sports an attractive bouquet: earthy quintessential Saint Estephe with aromas of blackberry, tar and cedar. Good definition and attaining a voluptuous veil with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, furry tannins but nice purity here, blackberry, cedar, a nice salty tang towards the finish with good depth and length. This is an upstanding Sociando Mallet, comparatively modern in style vis-a-vis other vintages.