1985 Sociando Mallet
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Tasting notes
Not quite as concentrated as the 1982, this has a touch of leafy raspberry and rose stem on the aromatics, slightly softer ruby red colour also, just beginning to fade around the edges. On the palate things are still delightful, structured, fresh acidities on the finish with orange peel, pomegranate, waves of raspberry puree and white pepper studding. This one is fully ready to drink, 29ha of vines in 1985, unfiltered and unfined, 33% new oak for ageing, Michel-Bernard Couasnon consultant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1985 Sociando-Mallet, picked between September 30 and October 18, has a very savory bouquet with scents of Italian cured meat, dry straw and a touch of black fruit that is usurped by strong black truffle and smoky scents. It is firmly into its secondary phase, but what I appreciate is that it is very “1985.” The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, more cohesive and with greater density than the 1983. It is focused and, despite the aromatics, feels vivacious and lively all the way through to the finish. Fact is, this is as good as the 1982 Sociando-Mallet and represents one of my favorite wines of the decade. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.
Harvest date 30 Sep-18 Oct; yield 88.1 hl/ha; vineyard area 29.47 ha Relatively light crimson. Very light and sweet with a notable lack of stuffing. Really rather a wimpy disappointment at this stage. It may have had some of this vintage's charm in youth but it's telling those old jokes over and over again now... (JR)