Château Sociando-Mallet, situated in the commune of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, north of Saint-Estèphe in the Haut-Médoc, is an estate that defies conventional labels with its unique motto, "Neither cru bourgeois, nor cru classé." This exceptional estate, with a history stretching back to the 17th century, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation. The 2018 vintage is no exception, hailed as one of the greatest Sociandos made to date, a sentiment echoed by critics James Suckling and Yves Beck, with ratings of 95/100 and 96/100.
James Suckling's enthusiasm for the 2018 vintage highlights its blueberry, chocolate, blackcurrant, and dark chocolate notes, complemented by some crushed lead pencil, too. Its full body and firm, creamy tannins with a lovely texture and roundness make it one of the best Sociandos in a long time.
A conversation piece among the most prestigious Haut-Médoc wines.
The story of Château Sociando-Mallet is as rich and complex as its wines. The estate's revival by Jean Gautreau in 1969, transforming a nearly abandoned 5-hectare vineyard into an 83-hectare beacon of viticultural excellence, is a testament to vision and passion. The unique terroir, composed of Guntzian gravel on clayey layers, parallels the esteemed grounds of Châteaux Montrose or Latour, contributing to the wine's lightness, elegance, and structured complexity.
The 2018 vintage, a blend of 66% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc, reflects the estate's exceptional terroir and meticulous winemaking practices. Aged in new barrels, with vines averaging 35 years, it boasts a beautiful dark ruby color, delivering magnificent aromas of red fruits with a juicy and tasty texture that explodes in the mouth and on the nose. This wine is not only a tribute to the legacy of Jean Gautreau but also a beacon of the estate's future under the stewardship of his daughter, Sylvie Gautreau.
Château Sociando-Mallet's wines, characterized by their freshness, straightforwardness, and good length, are traditionally long-keeping. The 2018 vintage is built to mature gracefully, promising to become extraordinary after one or even two generations. It stands as a shining example of what makes the Haut-Médoc appellation so revered among wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
As we savor the Château Sociando-Mallet 2018, we not only taste the culmination of a vintage year but also partake in the rich history and bright future of one of Médoc's most distinguished unclassified estates. This wine is a celebration of heritage, terroir, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a fitting tribute to the vision of Jean Gautreau and a must-have for collectors seeking to experience the pinnacle.
When you take that first sip, boom, it's an explosion of juicy, tasty delight that lingers and makes you want more. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just someone who appreciates a damn good bottle of wine, this one's a keeper. Cheers to the unexpected joys and the stories in every glass! - LiveTheLifeTV