1986 Château Sociando-Mallet
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Tasting notes
Back to the deeper colour of the 1982, a little more subdued on the nose, then opens to show camomile, violet, lilac and black tea, plenty of complexity on the palate also, edges of mint leaf, blackberry, loganberry, thre is life in this, even tannic grip, not fully melted into the structure, and a refreshing mouthwatering quality on the finish. One to look out for. 80hl/h yield, unfiltered, unfined, 29ha in production, harvest September 30 to October 11, 33% new oak for ageing, Michel-Bernard Couasnon consultant.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1986 Sociando-Mallet was picked between September 30 and October 11 and is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It has a perfumed nose of potpourri, lavender, red fruit and a touch of wild fennel. It does not quite have the bucolic charm of the 1985, but it is still respectable. The fresh palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a ferrous midpalate and impressive tension and vigor toward the finish. A pinch of white pepper lingers on the aftertaste, completing what is a very decent 1986 Sociando-Mallet that continues to drink well. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.
Harvest date 30 Sep-11 Oct; yield 80.2 hl/ha; vineyard area 29.47 ha Very deep crimson. Minerals and cassis on the nose. Surely higher volatility than most vintages? A hint of port! Sweet start and lots of rigour and concentration. A fine backbone on this wine! Rather rustic tannins on the finish but there is (just) enough stuffing to convince me that it will last quite a bit longer. Truly a long-distance runner – in slightly severe mode. (JR)
Very deep crimson. Minerals and cassis on the nose. Surely higher volatility than most vintages? A hint of port! Sweet start and lots of rigour and concentration. A fine backbone on this wine! Rather rustic tannins on the finish but there is (just) enough stuffing to convince me that it will last quite a bit longer. Truly a long-distance runner - in slightly severe mode. Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com