2003 Chateau Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Medoc 1x750ml

Robert Parker 93

The 2003 Sociando-Mallet is drinking brilliantly, wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of blackberry and cassis mingled with hints of loamy soil, cigar box and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, with a deep core of fruit, impressively lively acids and ample reserves of rich, powdery tannin, it is one of the real successes of the vintage. It’s also one of the most youthful-tasting 2003s you can find today. [William Kelley, 25/02/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2040

Vinous 93

The 2003 Sociando-Mallet is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc picked between September 10 and 24. It was aged in new oak barrels for 11 months. Coming from the north Medoc, it would have enjoyed onshore breezes that mitigated the summer heat. The bouquet shows no signs of that warmth, offering notes of pressed flowers, pomegranate, smoke and tobacco that open up nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, a delicate touch of white pepper and sage, good depth and a very cohesive, tobacco and spice finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is a great wine for the vintage and continues to give a lot of pleasure. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet. [Neal Martin, 06/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2030