Château Sociando Mallet 2018

Château Sociando-Mallet 2018 - Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

A powerful, classic Left Bank Bordeaux from one of Haut-Médoc’s most respected unclassified estates. The 2018 vintage delivers layered aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, cassis, cedar and tobacco with subtle herbal undertones and warm spice. On the palate this feels medium-to-full-bodied and richly concentrated, with juicy dark fruit framed by firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity. There’s an impressive depth and structure here - dense yet elegant - that speaks to both the quality of the vintage and the estate’s meticulous approach. 

Grape varieties: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc (typical for the vintage) 

Style: Dry red, structured Bordeaux

Drink window: 2026–2038

Perfect for: Roast lamb, grilled beef, venison stew, braised short ribs, aged cheeses

Critic scores:

95 points - James Suckling (classic, concentrated and polished) 

94 points - Decanter (rich, structured and age-worthy) 

90–93 points - Wine Spectator (balanced with dark fruit and structure) 

90–93 points - Antonio Galloni (Vinous) (refined, layered Bordeaux) 

91 points - The Wine Independent (polished and expressive) 

Dense, polished and compelling - a standout Sociando-Mallet from a superb Bordeaux vintage.