Chateau Sociando-Mallet 2011

Deep glowing ruby with a tight rim, this bottle is elegantly dark-fruited with sophistication. The profile is towards the terroir-based—a near 5th Growth quality with traditional, St Estephe type of structure, firm backbone, earthy, mineral with tamed still dusty tannins. The palate is gripping with texture leading to a dry, medium finish. Quite fresh and clean.

Some customers and critics(including JS) would want more fruit. Some would say that most Medocs do not have round, ripe fruit. However, the team thinks this wish is stylish and unique. Appropriate food and fresh blueberry will add much to its appreciation.

Many tasters like the wine, including RP, who in 2012 for once accorded it with 93 Points. The latest score is:

91 Points Wine Advocate-Parker :

Whether it is due to the vintage or to Gautreau, the ferocity of the tannins in many 2011 Medocs seems relatively tame, but there is no lacking concentration in this wine, which is clearly of classified growth quality. It boasts a dense purple color along with abundant notes of creme de cassis, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Medium-bodied and super-rich, it is a real revelation in a vintage such as 2011. Given its precociousness and silky tannins, it can be drunk in 2-3 years, or cellared for two decades.