CHATEAU SOCIANDO MALLET 2006

Description:
Wine Style: Full Bodied Red

Château Sociando Mallet is in the unusual situation of not being a Classed Growth when it should be. It was never entered into the Classification despite turning out wines of such quality that it out performs many that are produced by its neighbours.  The Château was purchased in 1969 by Jean Gautreau, a négociant from Lesparre, who has opted to remain out of the classification system. When Gautreau bought the Château Sociando Mallet  it was a forgotten and derelict property of vastly reduced land. However the terroir is the same band of gravel that runs beneath the vines of Château Latour and Gautreau saw the potential that others had not. The Château has benefited from 4 decades of investment and improvement and the wines have been the insider's choice for top quality wines

The chateau dates back to the 1600s and takes its name from a Basque nobleman, Sociando, and a later owner, a naval captain named Mallet. The Château and vineyards lie in the commune of Saint Seurin de Cadourne on the Left Bank, north of Saint Estèphe.

The wines are an inky purple with an unusual capacity for longevity and are one of the longest lived wines made in the Médoc. They are powerful, full bodied, tannic and rich. They are fragrant and have notes of blackberries, raspberries, blossom blueberries and wood.

Robert Parker 90 points.  "Classic aromas of black currants, graphite, powdered wet rocks, and earthy undertones compete with the intense black currant fruit present in this structured, medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2006. Always an over-achiever, Sociando Mallet is built for 20-30 years of longevity. The elegant, powerful, but backward 2006 requires patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."

Recommended Food and Wine Pairing:
Good with French Comte cheese - Comte is a mountain cheese from the Jura matured for 10 months to give depth of flavour. It has a sweet yet nutty flavour, with a firm, smooth and creamy texture and a fruity finish.