95 Point "Top-Drawer Sociando-Mallet": 2019 Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc
It’s hard to break into exclusive clubs, but Château Sociando-Mallet is considered by experts to be equal to many classified châteaux in Bordeaux. While it may not be an official member of the classified club, we’re confident if the estate existed in 1855, it would be. Purchased in 1969 by tennis player turned négociant turned winemaker Jean Gautreau, the estate quickly became one of the most respected in the region. And Gautreau became one of the most respected winemakers in all of Bordeaux.
The 2019 Chateau Sociando-Mallet is a Grand Vin from a grand vintage—97 points according to Vinous Media. The year’s optimal conditions along with the estate’s superior terroir of Günz gravel with clay subsoil came together to create a “complex and elegantly muscular” Bordeaux that’s emblematic of the Haut-Médoc. It’s a fitting final vintage for Gautreau who passed away just after harvest in 2019. His daughter Sylvie and grandson Arthur now have the reins.
James Suckling gave a stamp of approval to this “juicy, flavorful red” with 94 points, and it definitely has our stamp of approval. With a long drinking window, this is a wine that’s drinkable now but will cellar beautifully for years to come. While Château Sociando-Mallet is equal to many classified châteaux, the price for its wines is not.
