Château Sociando Mallet 99

This wine fits wholly into the region’s idiosyncrasy—it is very typical in its aromas and flavor. A good presence of fruit, expressing itself intensely and cleanly with notes of black berries, perhaps of blackberries themselves, impregnated with a select wood that gives it toasted and spiced notes in acceptable complexity. On the palate, there are solid pillars in addition to the above-mentioned notes: noble structure, sweet tannins and a light, constant acidity—very balanced factors that are integrated into its identity.

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Barrel aged for 18 months. Bottled June 26, 2002.