Château Sociando-Mallet 2016

10 kilometers north of Pauillac in the commune of Saint-Seurin de Cadourne, Château Sociando-Mallet quietly produces some of the best wines in the Medoc. An unclassified growth, Sociando-Mallet is one of those Château that proves rank isn't everything. Quality here is largely due to the hard work of owner Jean Gautreau. Captivated by the stunning view of the Gironde from the vineyard, Gautreau purchased the dilapidated property in 1969. 40 odd years later the vineyard has grown from 5 to 85 hectares, and production is a whopping 300,000 cases per annum.

Apart from Gautreau's devotion, the gravelly Medoc soil is the other secret to success. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grow exceptionally well here given the excellent drainage. And the fruit of all this labor? A complex, rich, structured and age worthy blend of Cabernet and Merlot that is still underpriced for its consistently high quality. Makes the perfect ringer in a blind tasting of classified growths from the Medoc.

Always matured in 100% new oak, the blend is usually around 50:50 Cabernet and Merlot.

"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." - 94 Points, James Suckling

"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." - 94 Points, Wine Advocate 

Producer: Château Sociando-Mallet

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Haut-Médoc

Vintage: 2016

Size: 750ml