Sociando Mallet 1996 (5.0L)

96 JA / 94 DE / 17 JR

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. (18/06/2024)--Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux 

Of all the Bordeaux Zoom tastings that I held this year with 67 Pall Mall wine club, the 1996 Pauillacs was probably the one that had the most success - just hit after hit of great wines. They included Pichon Baron, Comtesse, Latour, Lafite and Lynch Bages, but I am selecting instead the 'ringer' that I put into the tasting; an Haut-Médoc with a huge amount in common with Pauillac that is tasting delicious and perfect for drinking right now. Still full of brambled blackberry and cassis fruit, creamy in texture with a crushed mint finish and now fully integrated tannins. Perhaps the best one here for a Christmas evening with a book by the fire.-Decanter

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.-Jancis Robinson, tasted 2009.