Château Sociando-Mallet 2016

"The 2016 Sociando-Mallet has a refulgent purple/black color. It has a very intense and rich, you might say "ambitious" bouquet with layers of small black cherries, blueberry and a touch of sloes, less tertiary than previous vintages and certainly more opulent. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannin that almost disguise the firm structure underneath. I admire the completeness of this Sociando-Mallet, the neatly embroidered new oak and the freshness on the finish. The 2015 Sociando-Mallet did not fire on all cylinders last year, but this 2016 is totally convincing. It comes highly recommended as one of the best wines produced at this estate in the northern Médoc. This is an outstanding wine from Mon. Gartreau." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Dark-berry and currant aromas with hints of spice. Medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Shows focus and seriousness for the appellation, as is usual from this producer. Better after 2022." - James Suckling

"Tasted blind. Both fresh and intense and burly-fruited. Sweet start and good follow-through. Acid and tannin there but not too aggressive." - Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Sociando Mallet is a wine of real depth and power. My feeling is that the 2016 will need at least a few years to be at its very best. Even so, the wine's complexity and overall pedigree are impossible to miss. Plum, lavender, chocolate and spice add striking layers of nuance. This is a very strong showing from Sociando Mallet." - Vinous

Decanter: 92/100

Inky black in colour, with a beautiful graphite and black fruit nose. This is undoubtedly a great Sociando this year, with precise yet juicy graphite and black fruits on the palate, from a fairly even blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc too.

Drinking Window 2023 - 2040