1996 Sociando Mallet
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Tasting notes
I've tasted this vintage of Sociando a few times recently, and strongly recommend. Sums up the pull of mature Left Bank with its crayon, cigar, blackberry, soft cassis puree, touch of mint leaf, cedar, graphite, and a cushion of air that makes everything so mouthwatering and delicate on the finish, drawing you back in, looking for another sip. Very good quality, fine tannins that are softened into the structure but still with character, this is one of the values of the vintage. Harvest September 29 to October 11, 90ha in production at this point, meaning owner Jean Gautreau had done some serious purchasing over the previous year. 12 months in barrel and then a further 6 months in vats, so 18 months in total. 100% new oak for ageing.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1996 Sociando-Mallet is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc picked between September 23 and October 8. This was aged 100% in new oak barrels for 12 months, followed by six months in tank. It has a generous, slightly chocolaty nose that I noticed before I realized that this vintage was matured entirely in new oak. I think the élevage rather dominates the aromatics, unlike the 1995, where it feels more integrated. The cohesive palate is medium-bodied with fine definition and perhaps offers a little more depth than the 1995. The finish is nicely sustained and leaves cracked black pepper and tobacco on the aftertaste. Very fine. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.
Harvest date 23 Sep-8 Oct; yield 65.1 hl/ha; vineyard area 56.48 ha Deep crimson – looks very healthy and nuanced. Heady and almost medicinal on the nose. Very fresh and lively. Most appetising and succulent. Not overdone – just what you want of young claret. This is the first vintage (since 1969 tasted to the present) that doesn't seem quite ready yet. Great balance in lively key. (JR)