Deep ruby color with a garnet rim. Trophy-aroma of black cherry and paprika spice, very dark and somber. Medium amount of ripe tannins (but not too soft, still with a pinch in the cheek).
The alcohol is perfectly integrated, as is the oak, which adds a touch of spice to the flavors, but not more. The palate is similar to the aroma: concentrated, ripe fruit, very herbal and a spicy, long finish. Very elegant. Quite an exciting wine from a vintage that is considered to be only so-so.
Sociando-Mallet farms about 84 hectares (225 acres) in Haut-Medoc in Bordeaux. The soil of Sociando-Mallet's vineyard is composed of gravel, limestone and clay. The wine itself consists of almost equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with just 5% of Cabernet Franc. The vines are on average 30 years old.