Chateau Sociando-Mallet 2001 (review)

89 points

Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France.

For at least 20 years this has been a rising star in Bordeaux. Clive Coates now classes it as an "'Exceptional Growth' - often as fine as the 'Outstanding Growths' (below 'First Growths') if not as prestigious or expensive".

This is a suave, sexy wine. Aromas of sweet French oak, which is quite prominent on the palate. Smells almost New World, but tastes much less sweet. Firm but without great mid palate fruit intensity. Has class but I'd prefer a bit more power or complexity.

Best left for another 3-5 years of age. Expect a wine of sophistication rather than power. Sociando-Mallet used to be more robust, less approachable when young. See the review of the 1986.