Château Sociando-Mallet 2017

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.

"Freshness and brightness to this. Medium to full body with firm, juicy tannins. A little chewy now, but will come around nicely with bottle age. Excellent for the vintage. Better after 2021." - 93 Points, James Suckling

"The 2017 Sociando-Mallet has turned out well. Pliant and supple on the palate, the 2017 has quite a bit of aromatic complexity as well. I would prefer to drink it on the young side given its mid-weight structure. The 2017 is not quite as overt as it was en primeur, but it is impeccably balanced and very nicely done. Cool savory accents round out the finish." - 91 Points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

"Barrel Sample. This wine offers a blackberry fruit flavor framed by crisp acidity and fine-grained tannins. It has a dry core, with plenty of spice and fruit tones to broaden it out." - 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Producer: Château Sociando-Mallet

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Haut-Médoc

Vintage: 2017

Size: 750ml