The 2019 Sociando Mallet has more presence on the nose than the Le Boscq; the fruit is darker and bolder. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, plenty of blackcurrant and raspberry fruit laced with cedar and black pepper. Solid, if missing a little elegance on the finish. Give it a couple of years and it will steadily climb back to its appraisal after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 91+ points

The last vintage under Jean Gautreau, and it`s a great one to remember him by. Serious, with shoulders and muscles, reflecting the excellent gravel and clay soils at this spot of the Médoc in St Seurin de Cadoune. This is a long-term wine with blackcurrant and blackberry and well-formed tannins. A yield of 43hl/ha. 90% new oak. Consultant oenologist Michel-Bernard Couasnon. 94 points