Chateau Sociando Mallet 2005 (Haut Medoc)

NOTES

Sociando-Mallet is one of those Chateau which makes a mockery of the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. Never entered into the classification of Cru Classé chateaux, and subsequently classified as a Cru Bourgeois in 1932, it has consistently turned out wines which outshine those produced by many of its more illustrious neighbours. This apparent error was further highlighted in 2003 when a revised Cru Bourgeois classification was drawn up, led by the nine Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. Sociando-Mallet was nowhere to be seen - the confident Jean Gautreau opted to remain outside of the system, perhaps feeling that participating in the Cru Bourgeois system would actually lower the standing of his chateau, but perhaps also discouraged by some of the petty politics that seemed to surround the process.

TASTING NOTES

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc; A very dark wine, with a very expressive nose, full of pure dark fruits with a predominant cassis character, very nicely defined, with notes of toasty oak, yet to integrate, in the background. Lovely, pure, well defined, elegance too though. Beautifully balanced, well delineated structure, very nicely textured. Just perfectly composed. What wonderful finesse.