JancisRobinson.com – 15.5

Harvest date 27 Sep-14 Oct; yield 67 hl/ha; vineyard area 71.04 ha Quite dark crimson. Lightly scented. A very good effort for this difficult vintage but with rather drying tannins. Hard work! This wine demands time. [24/09/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017

Robert Parker – 89

This Sociando Mallet is at a rather awkward stage at the moment: lots of cedary black fruits, smoke and cigar box all with good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, rather sulky and backward, certainly a wine that needs time to coalesce. Dense tannic finish, firm grip, quite austere ” this definitely needs time to pull together. Drink 2012-2020. Tasted November 2008. [01/11/2008]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020

Vinous – 89

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, 05/01/2007]