CHATEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET Haut-Medoc 1990 Bottle

Description

The 1990 Sociando-Mallet has received outstanding acclaim, notably earning 96 points from Wine Spectator, which highlights its remarkable quality for the vintage, characterised by a deep black-ruby colour and captivating aromas of crushed berries, currants, and cherries. The full-bodied palate showcases a superconcentration of fruit and wonderfully polished tannins, leading to a long-lasting finish. Vinous awarded it 93 points, praising its blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, noting scents of red berry fruit, potpourri, and lavender that gain intensity in the glass. The Wine Advocate also scored it 93 points, describing a boisterous bouquet of cassis, pencil shavings, and spices, showcasing a beautifully balanced core of fruit and seamlessly integrated tannins.

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Château Sociando-Mallet is a distinguished wine estate located in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, known for producing high-quality wines that often rival those of classified growths. Established in the 1960s by Jean Gautreau, the estate spans approximately 60 hectares of vineyards primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Château Sociando-Mallet is celebrated for its bold and structured wines that showcase deep, dark fruit flavours, alongside notes of cedar, tobacco, and a hint of minerality. The estate's unique terroir, comprising gravelly soil with clay subsoil, contributes to the richness and complexity of its wines. Known for its remarkable ageing potential, Château Sociando-Mallet has garnered significant praise from critics and collectors, making it a sought-after choice for enthusiasts seeking exceptional value in Bordeaux.

WINE SPECTATOR 96 points
Amazing wine for the vintage. Black-ruby color. Stupendous aromas of crushed berries, currants, cherries and minerals. Full-bodied, with superconcentration of fruit and wonderfully polished tannins. Goes on and on.

VINOUS 93 points
The 1990 Sociando-Mallet is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc picked between September 13 and October 2. It offers wonderful scents of red berry fruit, potpourri, lavender, and a touch of rooibos and garrigue, all very well defined and gaining intensity in the glass. The medium-bodied palate shows good depth and harmony, and the acidity is very well judged. This is a spicier-styled Sociando-Mallet with a healthy dose of black pepper, sage and curry leaf, while the finish is structured and offers very good length. This always had a good reputation and I understand why. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet. - Neal Martin

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Drink Date: 2000 - 2030
One of the reference point vintages for this northern Médoc estate, the 1990 Sociando-Mallet offers up a boisterous bouquet of cassis, pencil shavings, loamy soil, smoke and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and fleshy, it's beautifully balanced, with a generous core of fruit, melted tannins and lively acids. It would embarrass any number of classified growths in this vintage—as is so often the case!
Published: Aug 11, 2022