2002 Chateau Sociando-Mallet, Haut-Medoc

Vinous 89

Complex, slightly rustic aromas of black raspberry, mocha, smoke, game, leather and mint. Supple, sweet and rather easygoing, showing more of a merlot texture than a sample presented to me a year ago. Offers plenty of personality but can’t match the 2004 or 2003 for structure or depth. Graves [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2005]

Wine Advocate 91

Tasted blind at Farr’s 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This is very earthy, herbaceous and leafy on the nose, but there is a sense of vigour and clarity that redeems it, developing some attractive melted tar and graphite aromas with time. Tannic palate, masculine, earthy and surly, but good fruit intensity and the austere finish would marry with food nicely. Tasted October 2009. [Neal Martin, 01/10/2009]

JancisRobinson.com 15.5

Scented and leafy. Angular and a bit gawky but at least it’s not tarty! [13/10/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016