Sociando-Mallet Haut-Médoc 2016 375ml

96 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc). Takes its time to open, this is structured and hugely impressive, back to the signature concentrated graphite, cassis, luxurious texture and plenty of graphite and crayon Left Bank kick. This one needs to be carafed if drinking any time soon. Michel Couasnon consultant, 100% new oak for 12 months then 6 months in vat. 48hl/h yield, harvest September 26 to October 19. Alcohol 14%. Drink: 2025-2045. (6/18/24)"

95 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep dark ruby, opaque core, discreet brightening at the rim, inviting ripe sweet cherry, ripe plum, subtle nougat, a hint of spice in the background. Juicy, dark berry fruit, pleasant fruit, vivid tannins, fine fruits of the forest confit, concise freshness, persistent, will mature further, definite ageing potential. (5/24/17)"

94 points James Suckling: "Dark-berry and currant aromas with hints of spice. Medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Shows focus and seriousness for the appellation, as is usual from this producer. Better after 2022. (1/20/19)"

92-94 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Sociando-Mallet has a refulgent purple/black color. It has a very intense and rich, you might say "ambitious" bouquet with layers of small black cherries, blueberry and a touch of sloes, less tertiary than previous vintages and certainly more opulent. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannin that almost disguise the firm structure underneath. I admire the completeness of this Sociando-Mallet, the neatly embroidered new oak and the freshness on the finish. The 2015 Sociando-Mallet did not fire on all cylinders last year, but this 2016 is totally convincing. It comes highly recommended as one of the best wines produced at this estate in the northern Médoc. This is an outstanding wine from Mon. Gautreau. Drink: 2022-2045. (Apr 2017)"

93 points (16.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2016 is straighter and more savory on the palate, while also displaying a fairly full and generous character. (Jan 2020)"

92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Sociando Mallet has an attractive bouquet of cranberry, wild strawberry, cedar and light loamy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, though it is well balanced with a fresh, quite mineral-driven finish that has grace and charm. This is a splendid Sociando-Mallet that I suspect will meliorate with cellaring. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink: 2022-2040. (Aug 2020)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Chateau Sociando-Mallet is a beautiful, complete wine that shows the classic style of this vintage beautifully. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with terrific notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, dried earth, and lead pencil shavings, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, and a great finish. It has plenty of tannins, yet they're polished and nicely integrated into the wine. This brilliant Haut-Medoc is approachable today yet will be even better with 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15+ years. Drink: 2021-2036. (6/14/19)"

92 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Inky black in colour, with a beautiful graphite and black fruit nose. This is undoubtedly a great Sociando this year, with precise yet juicy graphite and black fruits on the palate, from a fairly even blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc too. Drinking Window: 2023-2040. (4/2/17)"