Whether it is due to the vintage or to Gautreau, the ferocity of the tannins in many 2011 Medocs seems relatively tame, but there is no lacking concentration in this wine, which is clearly of classified growth quality. It boasts a dense purple color along with abundant notes of creme de cassis, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Medium-bodied and super-rich, it is a real revelation in a vintage such as 2011. Given its precociousness and silky tannins, it can be drunk in 2-3 years, or cellared for two decades.

Whether it is due to the vintage or to Gautreau, the ferocity of the tannins in many 2011 Medocs seems relatively tame, but there is no lacking concentration in this wine, which is clearly of classified growth quality. It boasts a dense purple color along with abundant notes of creme de cassis, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Medium-bodied and super-rich, it is a real revelation in a vintage such as 2011. Given its precociousness and silky tannins, it can be drunk in 2-3 years, or cellared for two decades. Since I began covering these wines nearly 35 years ago, Sociando Maillet, with its fabulous terroir north of St.-Estephe, has been one of Bordeaux’s greatest over-achievers. It continues to prove that it should have been included in the 1855 Classification of the Wines of the Medoc. Proprietor Jean Gautreau is an example of a winemaker/vigneron/viticulture who does everything right regardless of vintage conditions.

Pretty blackberry and earthy character. Medium to full body, medium-chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Layered and stylish. Excellent for the vintage. Better in 2016.

Deep purple. Almost overripe aromas of stewed plum and sweet spices, with a note of balsamic coffee reduction. Enters the mouth smooth and creamy, then turns tighter and more austere in the middle. The long finish features chewy tannins and a return of the coffee note. (Ian D'Agata)

[55CS/40M/5CF] Light, dense, ripe nose to smell; elegant, fresh and even with a very gentle tannin; a fresh attack, a light fruit of purity and transparrency, modest complexity and excellent aromatic length. Not a big wine, with the emphasis more on aromas than flesh, but no lack of ripeness. Will be very attractive without being a grand SM. 2018-25+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

The Sociando Mallet has a pleasant , earthy bouquet that is natural and shows none of those green elements that can sometimes bridle young Sociando. The palate is medium-bodied with dusty tannins over a decent core of dry, earthy black fruit. Foursquare on the finish. Tasted April 2012.

Moves a bit too quickly, with cherry skin, plum pit and blueberry notes that soon give way to a lightly firm, woodsy edge on the finish.-J.M.

Drink 2016-2021 Deep dark crimson. Creamy and dark fruited and a savoury freshness on the nose and some oak char and a touch of overripeness. Rich, full in the mouth. Pretty highly extracted and a bit tough. Finishes a little bitter. Disappointing at the end but maybe it will soften up in time. (JH)