1982 Château Sociando Mallet, Grand Cru Haut Médoc

The 1982 Sociando-Mallet is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, picked from September 17 to October 3. It has a lovely bouquet of red currant and cranberry fruit, warm bricks (terracotta?), a touch of Marmite and dried herbs. Maybe a little rustic, but there is plenty of freshness and complexity. The palate is well balanced with dry tannin and vestiges of red berry fruit. The earthy notes are more pronounced than in another bottle tasted in February 2017. But there is still freshness and depth here, plus a welcome pinch of black pepper and sage toward the finish. Perhaps this is approaching the end of a long drinking plateau, but nevertheless, it’s a great Sociando-Mallet. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet. (Drink between 2019-2026). Neal Martin, Vinous.