Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Sociando Mallet
Label Name:
 
Haut Medoc Cru Bourgeois
Vintage:
 
2006
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Haut-Médoc (Bordeaux)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Merlot 40%, Cabernet Franc 5%
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Robert Parker (WA) ~90; Wine Enthusiast ~93; Wine Spectator ~85–88 (occasionally listed 88); Jancis Robinson ~16. 5/20; historically listed among Cru Bourgeois (Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in prior classifications)

Tasting Note
Concentrated black-currant and blackberry with graphite, cedar, tobacco and earthy/truffle nuances. Medium–full-bodied, firm ripe tannins, bright acidity and a mineral, lingering finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, beef short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi/grilled short ribs), braised beef with soy, mushroom-based Chinese or Japanese dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested; parcel vinification in stainless steel/concrete; extended maceration; spontaneous or inoculated fermentations; aged ~12 months in French oak barrels (significant portion new) before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Family-owned since Jean Gautreau purchased it in 1969; estate expanded to ~80–85 ha. Known for left-bank gravel soils, rigorous selection and a second wine, La Demoiselle de Sociando-Mallet.