2003 Chateau Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Medoc 1x750ml

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 Médoc, 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, 03/06/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2030

Robert Parker 90

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. This is a little baked on the nose, but there are some attractive minty scents developing in the glass vying with green pepper for dominance. The palate is a little over-extracted with chewy tannins, lacking much in the way of grace of finesse. Dense and plump on the finish. This will appeal to those who don’t mind little Claret in their Bordeaux. Quite a striking wine. Tasted October 2010. [Neal Martin, 10/01/2010]