2010 La Demoiselle de Sociando-Mallet, Bordeaux, France, Haut-Médoc

Less than 1 km west of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, the vineyards sloping down to the Gironde offer us a vast panorama. This region lies close to mid-height of the Medoc peninsula, just north of Saint-Estèphe.

This is the wonderful view that prompted Jean Gautreau in acquiring the domain Sociando-Mallet in 1969, an area in poor condition with only 5 hectares of vines remaining. Being a perfectionist, it took him no time to not only put the field on track, but also to take the leap into the top classified growths of the Medoc. Many observers see Sociando-Mallet ranked third (some say second) and it is often cited as an example to demonstrate the need to review the immutable ranking 1855.

The estate has 75 hectares.

The vines are 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The first wine ‘Sociando Mallet’ comes from the oldest vines. The second wine, ‘La Demoiselle Sociando Mallet’ is made from younger vines.

Density of 8000 vines/ha. Average age of vines: 20 to 25 years. Soil and sub-soil: gravel on clay and limestone. Handpicking. Aged in barrels. No fining or filtration