Château Sociando-Mallet - Haut-Médoc 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A key figure in the Médoc region, Jean Gautreau is one of the architects of the revival of its wines. Respected by his peers, he has raised Sociando-Mallet to the level of a classified growth, greatly expanding the vineyard since its purchase in 1969. Today, of the estate's 85 hectares, around 50 are classified as third or even second growths. Assisted by his daughter, Jean Gautreau is one of the few owners who supervises the winemaking process himself. These are benchmark wines with an inimitable touch and identity. Médoc wines through and through, they always display great finesse. The estate now has a guesthouse, the Villa Sociando, at the port of La Maréchale, 3 kilometers from the estate.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

Once again, this vintage lives up to its reputation and terroir with a wine that grows in intensity throughout the tasting. With a beautiful red color, it begins its aromatic expression with a certain discretion before revealing its full complexity when aerated: crushed strawberry, blackcurrant, subtle toasted notes, and sweet spices. The fruitiness blends well with the wood, which is reflected in a full-bodied, dense, crisp palate that combines power and freshness. 2027-2033

About the estate:

In the 17th century, it was a noble estate belonging to a Basque family, the Sossiandos. Confiscated during the Revolution, it had several owners. At the end of the last century, Jean Gautreau recognized its potential. A broker at Miailhe, he set up his own company in the late 1950s to sell wines in the Benelux countries. A client asked him to find a property with good terroir. He discovered Sociando-Mallet: overlooking the estuary, a superb gravelly hilltop on clay subsoil. When the client did not follow through, he bought it for himself in 1969, restructured it, expanded it (originally 5 hectares, now 82), and built a winery. Although unclassified, it is one of the most important wines in the appellation, now run by Sylvie, daughter of Jean Gautreau, who died in 2019.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

Sociando 2020 is quite dense, marked by a significant proportion of Merlot, which is reflected in its round and smooth character. It is pleasant and flattering, a wine that will age well over a decade.

About the estate:

Sociando-Mallet is a highly renowned brand that has won the hearts of true wine lovers. Many vintages from this beautiful estate in the northern Médoc region are equivalent to very good classified growths. Jean Gautreau, who spent half a century building Sociando-Mallet, passed away at the end of 2019, leaving the torch to his daughter Sylvie. Widely distributed in France and Belgium, the wine remains a safe bet and, above all, offers consistently excellent value for money. A vast replanting project was initiated around ten years ago, forcing the estate to produce more "Merlot-dominated" wines. These are rounder, but probably less distinguished. We no longer find quite the same magical brilliance as in the 1982, 1990 or 1996 vintages, which remain the benchmarks.

Vinous

About wine:

Sociando Mallet 2020 has retained the impressive aromas it displayed in the barrel, with beautifully defined aromas of blackberry and raspberry, pressed violet, and light cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm structure, a slightly powdery texture, and a fine structure with plenty of freshness and tension leading to a graphite-infused finish. Bravo! 2027-2045

James Suckling

About wine:

It has a lovely nose of dark spices, walnut shells, and cedar notes with a backbone of black fruit, which extends into a medium body with firm, finely polished tannins. Refined and well-balanced with a velvety texture. Lingering, chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Terre de Vins

About wine:

Sociando-Mallet at its finest: velvety density, refined tannins, and finely mentholated freshness in the aromas, with deep notes of black fruit. The balance is remarkable. The savory finish is endless, and the wine offers a delicious persistence on the palate.

Yves Beck

About wine:

Sociando-Mallet brilliantly confirms the promise shown during the primeurs. Of course, the aging does not go unnoticed, but it is merely an accompaniment that leaves the way open for notes of black berries, licorice, graphite, and mint. The wine stands out for its fullness, elegance, and serenity. Its fleshy, somewhat sweet tannins go hand in hand with a structuring acidity that enhances the fruity expression of the finish. This is a very great Sociando-Mallet. Someone up there must be very proud! 2027-2045