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Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut Medoc 1996 750ml

size
750ml
country
France
region
Bordeaux
appellation
Haut Medoc
DC
93
WA
90
VM
90
WS
90
Additional vintages
DC
93
Rated 93 by Decanter
This is one of the must-try wines in this line-up, because it absolutely stands up next to the Pauillac classified properties, and delivers on so much that is enjoyable about the 1996 Bordeaux vintage. Crème de cassis, chocolate, rich black fruits, and finely bonded open tannins. At its plateau now, for sure, with tertiary notes of undergrowth and tobacco leaf, but this has another decade ahead of it easily, and is a signature Médoc Cabernet-based blend. ... More details
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Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut Medoc 1996 750ml

SKU 895217
Case Only Purchase
Long-term Pre-Arrival
$1043.40
/case
$86.95
/750ml bottle
Quantity
min order 12 bottles
* This is a Long-term Pre-arrival item and is available for online ordering only. This item will ship on a future date after a 4-8 months transfer time. For additional details about Pre-arrival Items please visit our FAQ page.
Professional Ratings
DC
93
WA
90
VM
90
WS
90
DC
93
Rated 93 by Decanter
This is one of the must-try wines in this line-up, because it absolutely stands up next to the Pauillac classified properties, and delivers on so much that is enjoyable about the 1996 Bordeaux vintage. Crème de cassis, chocolate, rich black fruits, and finely bonded open tannins. At its plateau now, for sure, with tertiary notes of undergrowth and tobacco leaf, but this has another decade ahead of it easily, and is a signature Médoc Cabernet-based blend.
WA
90
Rated 90 by Wine Advocate
A classic Sociando-Mallet, this wine boasts a saturated purple color, as well as an intense nose of cassis liqueur, chocolate, and minerals. Dense and medium-bodied, with outstanding purity, and high tannin, this beautifully made wine is better than many classified growths. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.
VM
90
Rated 90 by Vinous Media
The 1996 Sociando-Mallet is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc picked between September 23 and October 8. This was aged 100% in new oak barrels for 12 months, followed by six months in tank. It has a generous, slightly chocolaty nose that I noticed before I realized that this vintage was matured entirely in new oak. I think the élevage rather dominates the aromatics, unlike the 1995, where it feels more integrated. The cohesive palate is medium-bodied with fine definition and perhaps offers a little more depth than the 1995. The finish is nicely sustained and leaves cracked black pepper and tobacco on the aftertaste. Very fine. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.
WS
90
Rated 90 by Wine Spectator
Dark-colored, with vanilla, spice and smoky fruit flavor. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a silky texture. A stylish wine, showing spicy character. Sociando did the business this year. Best after 2001. 22,400 cases made, 100 cases imported.
Product Details
size
750ml
country
France
region
Bordeaux
appellation
Haut Medoc
Additional vintages
Overview
This is one of the must-try wines in this line-up, because it absolutely stands up next to the Pauillac classified properties, and delivers on so much that is enjoyable about the 1996 Bordeaux vintage. Crème de cassis, chocolate, rich black fruits, and finely bonded open tannins. At its plateau now, for sure, with tertiary notes of undergrowth and tobacco leaf, but this has another decade ahead of it easily, and is a signature Médoc Cabernet-based blend.
green grapes

Varietal: Red Bordeaux

The blended red wines of Bordeaux have gone down in history as the finest wines every produced, with collectors and many of the general public still eagerly anticipating the wineries of this region's new releases to this day. The secret to Bordeaux's monumental success has been their careful blending of high quality grape varietals, controlled and protected by French law. In Bordeaux, wineries can only produce red wines using a blend of two or more of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec or Carménere grape varietals, with the latter two becoming less and less commonly seen on bottles. The vast majority of Bordeaux red wines use Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varietals, boosted by a little Petit Verdot. These three grapes compliment each other beautifully as they age in oak, rounded out their tannins and the high astringency of the Sauvignon, and resulting in wonderfully complex flavors and aromas.
barrel

Region: Bordeaux

Of all the wine regions in France, the mostly highly esteemed and famous is surely Bordeaux. Most commonly associated with their superb examples of blended red wines, usually made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot varietals, Bordeaux consistently demonstrates that their mix of traditional and modern wine-making styles is the recipe for fame and success. The region benefits greatly from its humid climate, and the fact that its clay and gravel based soils are perfect for growing the fine grape varietals which flourish there. The region is split into quite distinct sub-regions, with the finest generally believed to be the Left Bank and the Médoc region, where many of the most well known chateaux are based and produce their wonderful red and white wines.
fields

Country: France

French winemakers are subjected to several laws and regulations regarding the wines they produce, and how they can be labeled and sold. Such procedures are designed to increase the overall quality of the country's produce, and also to ensure that wines made in each particular region or appellation are of a character and type which is representative of the area. Thankfully for consumers of wine world-wide, the French have a particularly high reputation to uphold, and seem to do so flawlessly. Every year, wineries from all over France produce millions upon millions of bottles of fine wine, making the most of their native grape varieties and the excellent terrain which covers most of the country. From the expensive and exquisite red wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, to the white wines and cremants of central France, the French are dedicated to providing the world with wines of the highest quality and most distinctive character.
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews

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More Details
green grapes

Varietal: Red Bordeaux

The blended red wines of Bordeaux have gone down in history as the finest wines every produced, with collectors and many of the general public still eagerly anticipating the wineries of this region's new releases to this day. The secret to Bordeaux's monumental success has been their careful blending of high quality grape varietals, controlled and protected by French law. In Bordeaux, wineries can only produce red wines using a blend of two or more of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec or Carménere grape varietals, with the latter two becoming less and less commonly seen on bottles. The vast majority of Bordeaux red wines use Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varietals, boosted by a little Petit Verdot. These three grapes compliment each other beautifully as they age in oak, rounded out their tannins and the high astringency of the Sauvignon, and resulting in wonderfully complex flavors and aromas.
barrel

Region: Bordeaux

Of all the wine regions in France, the mostly highly esteemed and famous is surely Bordeaux. Most commonly associated with their superb examples of blended red wines, usually made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot varietals, Bordeaux consistently demonstrates that their mix of traditional and modern wine-making styles is the recipe for fame and success. The region benefits greatly from its humid climate, and the fact that its clay and gravel based soils are perfect for growing the fine grape varietals which flourish there. The region is split into quite distinct sub-regions, with the finest generally believed to be the Left Bank and the Médoc region, where many of the most well known chateaux are based and produce their wonderful red and white wines.
fields

Country: France

French winemakers are subjected to several laws and regulations regarding the wines they produce, and how they can be labeled and sold. Such procedures are designed to increase the overall quality of the country's produce, and also to ensure that wines made in each particular region or appellation are of a character and type which is representative of the area. Thankfully for consumers of wine world-wide, the French have a particularly high reputation to uphold, and seem to do so flawlessly. Every year, wineries from all over France produce millions upon millions of bottles of fine wine, making the most of their native grape varieties and the excellent terrain which covers most of the country. From the expensive and exquisite red wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, to the white wines and cremants of central France, the French are dedicated to providing the world with wines of the highest quality and most distinctive character.