1998 Sociando Mallet
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Red fruit aromatics, softened pureed raspberry and redcurrant, perhaps the silkiest in terms of tannic structure and texture so far. Not quite knocking on the door of the 1996 but it is delicious all the same. Harvest September 24 to October 5, hand sorting and hand harvesting (as every year). Patrice Laugac cellar master, Vincent Faure director. 100% new oak for 12 months, then 6 months in vat, total 18 months ageing. Michel-Bernard Couasnon consultant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1998 Sociando-Mallet is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc picked between September 14 and October 5. The bouquet is relatively light and airy compared to other 1998 Left Banks, and a little dustier than the 1995 and 1996, with touches of cocoa emerging with time from the new oak (100%). The medium-bodied palate delivers grainy tannin and good acidity, but it feels a little hollow and herbaceous toward the finish, tapering in to a point instead of fanning out. Drink soon. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.
Deeper and darker than Calon 1998 and with a less mature rim. Leafy nose and some obvious sweetness that makes it easy to see why this property has done particularly well in high-profile blind tastings. Very satisfying already. Neat, long finish. (JR)
Velvety crimson look. Rather high tone and beguiling. Refreshing. Very complete – sweeter than the regular bottling but with the same refreshment factor. More obviously dusty tannins than the regular bottling – thicker. Among other 1998s, this should show very well. (JR)