Chateau Sociando-Mallet 2021 [JS 92-93]

James Suckling 92-93 points.

The estate

Overlooking the Gironde estuary for almost three centuries, Château Sociando-Mallet is one of the most respected properties in Haut-Médoc. Owned by Sieur Sociando in the 17th century, the Mallet family added their name following their acquisition of the estate in the 19th century. Since 1969, the Gautreau family has endowed this iconic left-bank property with their passion and energy.

The vineyard

Château Sociando-Mallet is a Haut-Médoc wine that stems from a 77-hectare vineyard located at the top of the Baleyron hill, in the commune of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne. The vines are 35 years old on average and are planted on a terroir composed of gravel and clay upon a clay-limestone subsoil.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted on a table before and after destemming. Traditional vinification in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel vats with pumping over and racking. Vatting for 25 days. Malolactic fermentation in vats. Aged for 12 months in barrels, 90% of which are new.

The blend

Sociando-Mallet 2021 comprises a blend of Merlot (54%), Cabernet Sauvignon (44%) and Cabernet Franc (2%).