Chateau Sociando-Mallet 2006

Still very young, Sociando shows an austere finish. However, its concentration and length are very promising. Give it the time it needs for the wine to integrate its ageing and find its balance.

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.

Magnum. Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Sumptuously ripe nose with a touch of maturity. But a little dilute on the mid-palate. Soft, chalky tannins. Dusty finish. Ends pretty dry. Very flattering attack. But the finish is still a bit punishing. (JR)

Medium-bodied, with a rustic, stern, masculine edge to the tannins, the wine is still young. The nose shows tobacco, cedar chest, and blackberry notes, while the finish carries a crisp, chewy thread of blackberry, earth, pepper, and cassis. Give this at least 5 more years, or longer, to come around.

Medium garnet-ruby, saturated at the core. Fragrant bouquet with plenty of fine oak, cedar notes, summer truffle and tobacco; spicy and complex, almost perfumed. On the palate very elegant and balanced, with ultra-fine tannins that lend a particular class; still astringent, thus endowed with significant, not-to-be-underestimated potential. Has developed very positively and therefore deserves one more point than at the en primeur tasting.

Extremely dark violet with purple highlights. Dreamy elderberry and blackberry bouquet, noble woods, coffee, and a sweetness reminiscent of rock candy. Elegant on the palate, with polished tannins; the body seems a bit light, which makes it a potential early charmer. (17/20). 08: Medium garnet-ruby, dense at the core. Fragrant bouquet with plenty of fine woods, cedar tones, summer truffle and tobacco, spicy and multi-layered, almost perfumed. On the palate very elegant and balanced, with the finest tannins that lend it special class, still astringent and thus endowed with great potential that should not be underestimated. It has developed very positively and now deserves one point more than at the en primeur tastings.

Fruity, deep, heavy bouquet with black berries, licorice, prunes, tobacco, and leather. Fruity, full, velvety, dense palate with full fruit, good tannins, a tight structure, and concentrated aromatics. Full, velvety finish. 18/20 2014 - 2030

Garnet red. Bouquet of good intensity, with a beautiful synergy of fruity and chocolaty notes and a touch of oak. On the palate, the wine shows structure with perfectly integrated tannins. The latter are slightly grainy and support the whole wine. Good aromatic intensity. A fairly classic Sociando that you can start to enjoy now, yet it still has plenty of backbone!

The score has declined since the en primeur tastings. The color is purple and the nose is fresh and fruity, with slightly exotic oak. The palate is soft and smooth, very fruity, caressing; the body remains medium, even if the flavor is there. Normal length.

With a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has both structured and superbly rich fruit. The tannins are firm, but show a sweet, enticing edge to them, giving a full body and classic, fresh black currant acidity. An impressive wine, which definitely needs to age—five years or more.