2022, Château Sociando Mallet, HAUT MÉDOC

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Intensely fragrant on the nose, richly concentrated black fruits and cool freshness. Mouthwatering acidity adds to quite cool blue fruits with graphite edges giving more freshness than fruit concentration which is nice. Tannins are well integrated, present but supportive and not overwhelming. Keeps a sleek frame and intention from start to finish. A really appealing wine that feels well worked, but still with density and minerality. Harvest 7-23 September. Yield of 22hl/ha. Ageing in French oak for 12 months, 85% new. 92 Georgina Hindle, Decanter. 

The 2022 Sociando-Mallet is a bit hard to read today. I very much admire the dynamic energy, which Sociando has in spades, but at the same time the tannins show some edginess that will need to resolve. Élevage will be critical, but it may not be enough to compensate for a vintage with hail damage and yields of just 21.5 hectoliters per hectare. 88-90 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2022 Sociando-Mallet was picked 7-23 September at just 22hL/ha. This is very concentrated and quite opulent on the nose, bit of a bravura bouquet, layers of black cherry, Christmas cake and light undergrowth scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Quite fresh, grippy in the mouth, my only quibble is that it feels a tad abrupt on the finish. Barrel maturation should address that. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with hints of mint, violets and licorice introduce the 2022 Sociando-Mallet, a medium to full-bodied, supple and lively wine that's deep, fleshy and seamless, with powdery tannins that assert themselves with promising youthful grip on the finish. It's a blend of 63% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Readers who remember how this estate acquitted itself in years such as 2003 and 1990 will not be surprised by its quality in 2022. 92-94 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Drinking Window: 2028 - 2040