Offering up aromas of dark berries, licorice, cigar wrapper and loamy soil, the 2021 Sociando-Mallet is medium to full-bodied, bright and concentrated, with an impressively layered core of fruit, tangy acids and a long, saline finish. The blend is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, with late-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon, picked through to October 14, providing the heart of the wine. 89-91 points

The 2021 Sociando-Mallet takes some time to cohere in the glass, though it eventually offers attractive blackberry, brine and cedar scents. A very slight black truffle note lurks in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is a pretty Sociando, well-balanced and fresh, gaining depth toward the finish with a bright, sour cherry-edged aftertaste. 90 points

The 2021 Sociando Mallet is a powerful, classically austere Haut-Médoc that is going to need a number of years to unwind. There`s good depth and plenty of intensity, but the 2021 is in no mood to show its cards today. A dark, beguiling beauty, Sociando will have a lot to say at some point. 89-91 points

Sylvie Gautreau is the 2nd generation owner of this well loved 77ha estate, and has produced an excellent wine within the vintage. This is not up there with the most concentrated of Sociandos, but there is liqourice, fennel, marzipan, spice, and juicy blueberry fruits. Tasted twice, each time clear that this is an enjoyable wine but also that even at this benchmark estate you can see the challenges of the vintage in the Haut-Médoc appellation. 48hl/h yield, Michel-Bernad Couanson consultant. Harvest September 27 to October 13. 91 points