A classic and highly respected Haut-Médoc, Château Sociando-Mallet 2012 delivers impressive depth and polish for the vintage. Offering ripe blackcurrant and cherry aromas with subtle floral and earthy notes, the palate is medium to full-bodied with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long, refined finish. A blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows the structure and elegance of top Left Bank Bordeaux, with excellent ageing potential and outstanding value for its pedigree.

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Apr 30, 2015
Drink: 2015-2030

Once again proprietor Jean Gautreau has hit pay dirt with a beautiful blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Wonderfully sweet, ripe tannins seem to be a rule of thumb from this great terroir just to the north of St.-Estephe's Chateau Montrose. A beautiful deep ruby/purple color, decent acidity, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning fruit put this wine right in the midst of the best classified crus from the Medoc, yet it has never been classified. Go figure. Softer than I would have suspected (and I've been following and buying this wine since the mid-1970s), this wine will still age beautifully for 10-15 years. 

James Suckling | JS 90
Published: Feb 22, 2015

Intense aromas of red and black cherries with light floral notes. Full body, silky tannins, lovely acidity and long, fruity finish. Polished tannins. Needs to open. Better in 2018.

Decanter | D 90
Drink: 2017-2025

Dense colour, striklingly pure Cabernet cassis nose, richness of fruit and firmness of ripe tannins, a wine of real class and as usual one of the very best Haut-Médoc.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Feb 10, 2022

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Mature nose. Sweet start. Very vigorous and concentrated though with rather marked acidity.