2004 Château Sociando-Mallet

Dark red with ruby highlights. Plum, redcurrant and a whiff of smoked meat on the nose. Supple and vinous, with very good spine and savory character. Notes of plum, currant, dark chocolate and licorice firmed by lively but integrated acidity. Finishes with broad tannins and good grip. Will the 2006 show as much mid-palate stuffing as this by the time it's bottled?

- Stephen Tanzer (05/2007)

Aromas of currant and leaves. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a caressing finish. Ends chewy. Best after 2009. 24,500 cases made, 100 cases imported.

Sociando Mallet’s big, extracted, rich, classic 2004 boasts a deep ruby/purple hue as well as aromas of charcoal, wet stones, cold steel, and abundant black currant and cassis fruit. This medium to full-bodied, structured, powerful wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring. It should last for two decades.

- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (06/2007)