The 2015 Sociando Mallet is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc this year. It has a rather introspective bouquet, broody and earthy, although with aeration it reveals pleasant blackberry and wild strawberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin, a little rustic and brutish at the moment with an abrasive finish that will hopefully soften by the time it is in bottle. I feel that this was just upended by the storms that swept across the region in September. 85-87 points

Deep, rich fruit with lots of depth and potential complexity. Very good middle palate and a fine, firm finish. 90 points

The 2015 Sociando Mallet offers lovely depth and consistency. Silky, floral and beautifully persistent on the palate, the 2015 is one of the most finessed Haut-Médocs I tasted. Bright red stone fruit, earthiness and sweet floral notes are all nicely delineated throughout. The 2015 is not a huge wine, but it makes its case with lovely aro matics, subtlety and grace. This is an especially strong wine from the northern Médoc in 2015. Tasted two times. 87-90 points